PAS No 2: Muslims can enter non-Muslim places of worship, don garlands

Muslims are not forbidden from entering non-Muslim places of worship or donning flower garlands as a symbol of welcoming guests, according to PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

"The history of Islam tells about Caliph Umar who entered a church in Palestine. What is barred in Islam is entering non-Muslim places of worship with the intention of following their religious ceremonies.

"Also, wearing non-Muslim items of (religious) clothing is forbidden, but wearing flower garlands (as a symbol of welcoming a guest) is alright," he was quoted saying by Harakahdaily.

Tuan Ibrahim's remarks come in the wake of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's criticism of PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim, who is contesting the Port Dickson by-election.

Hadi had accused Anwar of being "inconsistent" in the sense that the latter changes his behaviour with different communities.

When Anwar is at a mosque, the PAS president said, he shows the more religious side of himself, but dons Sikh clothing items in gurdwaras, and dances to Tamil music when he has programmes with the Indian community.  

In reply, Anwar had said that during the era of Pakatan Harapan, he used to attend events on temple grounds accompanied by PAS members, but there were no complaints from the Islamist party then.

"Last time, when I went (to other places of worship), it was okay. Now, it is not," he had said. - Mkini