Joining the kafir harbi debate, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said some who support the Pahang mufti's stand are taking the "easy way" in dividing people simplistically into those who are 'for' and 'against' Islam.
"In general, it can be said those who agree with the Pahang mufti's statement see Islam and Muslims as obligated to be 'masters' over non-Muslims.
"Non-Muslims are thus categorised as either kafir dhimmi or kafir harbi.
"This means that non-Muslims either bow down to the Muslims, or they are considered as enemies that should be fought against," said the Amanah leader in an extended commentary.
He said this was reminiscent of views spread in history by the 'Orientalists' who had accused Islam of being spread through the sword.
"It is very sad when we see Orientalist ideology being championed by Muslims themselves.
"Such understanding is what has been the justification for the basis of forming the Islamic State (IS).
"According to their understanding, Islam isn't a religion of justice and peace, and cannot exist in a varied world. And the way they spread Islam is through warfare and bloodshed," said the MP.
Justice for all
On the other hand, he said, those who reject the Pahang mufti's statement – where he said those who reject PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's Private Member's Bill are kafir harbi – are those who understand Islam to be 'rahmatal-lil-’aalamiin', that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood.
"This group believes Islam aims for justice for all mankind, and Muslims are a people who serve all mankind, and show the way to good and justice - not to force domination on those who are not Muslim," said Khalid.
He said it was a challenge facing Muslims today, whether to follow the "easy path" indicative of "chauvinist thinking", or the "difficult path full of challenges brought by the ‘rahmatal-lil-’aalamiin'".
"The easy path […] is considered easy because the position of being the leaders is demanded as an unalienable right, a birth right.
"Simply because I am Muslim, therefore I have a right to be respected and held in esteem.
"According to them, that is what the Quran has guaranteed them," he said.
He said the difficult path was the one where leadership has to be won and achieved through embodying the teachings and principles of Islam, not just saying it.
"In other words, (to work hard to) legitimise oneself as the leader, and not claim it to be so, just because one is born a Muslim," he said.
He added Amanah preferred to take the difficult path as it was ultimately the most rewarding.
"Muslims in Malaysia are now at a crossroads. Are they willing to choose the easy path shown by the Pahang mufti, or the difficult path that Amanah is willing to tread?" he asked. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.