Convince non-Muslims their rights will be protected, delegate urges

PAS MUKTAMAR | The protection of non-Muslim rights is a religious duty for all Muslims and not just a political agenda for PAS, party delegates were told today.

However, Selangor PAS Youth delegate Ahmad Ubaidillah Abdullah (photo, above) said, the party has failed to convince non-Muslims that their rights will be protected under a PAS-led government, together with its allies.

"Selangor (PAS) feels that the time has come to come out with a clear declaration for the non-Muslims on our commitment to protect their rights in the event we are given the mandate to rule.

"This commitment is important for the non-Muslims to counter the negative narrative created in the context of our current political alliance," he said.

When met later, Ahmad Ubaidillah said examples of how non-Muslim rights are protected could be seen from the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW, through examples set by his caliphs, including Umar Al Khattab.

"Caliph Umar made a very clear statement: 'I give the protection on this place, you can't disturb their church, their cross and can't do anything to them. I give this guarantee'," he said.

Given that many non-Muslims appear to be unaware of these safeguards of their rights, Ahmad Ubaidillah called on PAS leaders to move to spread the message and convince them.

"We have to speak and share with our colleagues.

"Because when we talk about the protection of non-Muslims, it's not about being driven by political agenda," he said.

"It's in the religious texts and if you are a true Muslim, you are bound by this.

"Such protection is not about political agenda but it is our religious duty to do it," Ahmad Ubaidillah stressed. - Mkini