Dr M: Malays willing to kill their way to Heaven

Following claims that some Malaysians are involved in militant activities, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad lamented that Malays are now willing to kill their way to Heaven - both themselves and fellow Muslims.

“Malays are now willing to kill themselves to go to Heaven. Not only that, but they are also willing to kill other Muslims over political differences,” he said in a blog post today.

Videos and photographs purportedly featuring Malaysians involved in the civil war in Syria have been circulating online.

Syrian authorities have claimed that 15 Malaysians are involved in such activities, prompting Wisma Putra to ask them to verifythe allegations.

In his post, Mahathir noted that many of the victims are non-combatants including women and children, and do not pose a threat to Malaysia or its citizens.

He said he had tried and failed to find Quranic verses that condone suicide or killing of fellow Muslims, but instead found verses that urged Muslims to make peace.

“The Quran tells us to bring peace between two Muslims if they fight. If any party rejects peace, only then can a third party step, in siding with the party that opts for peace.

“However Allah did not decree us to escalate the enmity by taking any sides. Allah said again and again that He does not like those who bring chaos.

“Perhaps there is a hadith that tells us to be enemies between Muslims, but I haven’t found it,” he said.

Mahathir urged ulama in Malaysia to speak up and share their opinion on what awaits such militants in the afterlife.