Mahfuz's heavenly reminder: PAS not immigration counter for hereafter

 

As Malaysian politics ventured into the celestial sphere yet again, Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar fired a sarcastic salvo of divine proportions at his former party, reminding PAS that it is not the “gatekeeper to heaven”.

He pointed out that PAS was “not an immigration counter for the hereafter” responsible for handing out “heaven stamps” to those who sign up as members and vote for it.

“Heaven does not belong to PAS. Heaven belongs to Allah,” he reminded.

Mahfuz was responding to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement that supporting or joining PAS can lead a person to heaven.

The Amanah leader said that while PAS can encourage people to support and vote for the party, it must be emphasised that PAS was never given a sacred mandate to determine who enters heaven.

“PAS should not behave as though it is the gatekeeper of heaven - those who vote for PAS get the door opened, while those who do not are told to wait outside.

“If one vote for PAS is indeed a ticket to heaven, I would like to ask directly: Since when did a ballot paper become a passport to the hereafter, and since when was a political party given the power to determine a person’s final destination?” he asked in a statement.

Only Allah knows

Urging politicians against overzealousness, Mahfuz said they should refrain from “turning heaven into currency for buying votes” in their pursuit of power.

“Islam teaches us that a person’s standing in the eyes of Allah is determined by faith, piety, good deeds, justice, trustworthiness and the mercy of Allah. Not by the colour of a flag, a party logo or the candidate’s number on a ballot paper.

“More worryingly, statements like this could create the perception that Muslims who choose other parties are somehow on the wrong path and have no place in heaven.

“If voting for PAS is a ticket to heaven, what then is the fate of Muslims who do not vote for PAS? Does that mean Muslims who are not members, do not vote for and do not support PAS will be deemed to enter hell?” he asked in a statement.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan

Arguing that statements like Takiyuddin’s are not a healthy way of bringing Islam into politics, Mahfuz said the religion is far greater than PAS.

“If they truly want to make politics a struggle for Islam, then talk about trust, justice, corruption, poverty, education, the welfare of the people and the ethics of governance. Show it through administration and deeds, rather than claiming that support for a political party is a ticket to the hereafter.

“That is not Takiyuddin’s right. It is not PAS’ right. It is the absolute right of Allah,” he added.

Not the first time

This is not the first time PAS leaders have invoked divine rewards as part of their political appeal.

The party and its leaders have, on various occasions, sought to frame political support not merely as a choice at the ballot box, but as something carrying religious merit or consequences in the hereafter.

Takiyuddin had said those who died fighting to defend Islam would be regarded as martyrs, rewarded with divine blessings and granted entry into heaven.

He said the phrase “joining PAS means entering heaven” could be interpreted as political opponents mocking the party, but maintained that PAS’ struggle was rooted in Islam and aligned with teachings commanded by Allah.

“Joining PAS in that way, God willing, we can enter heaven when we die. That is certain, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. - Mkini