Give right jobs to experts, says Muslim preacher

Kamarudin Abdullah (above), founder and president of the Islamic Propagation Society International, said the right job has to be given to the person who has expertise in the chosen field.

He said if trust (amanah) is given to experts to carry out a certain job, the country will be peaceful and harmonious.

"It is only just and fair to accord people what is within their rights," Kamarudin told Malaysiakini today using an example of constructing a building, and asked, "What if we give non-experts to build a structure? What would happen to it? Do you think we will be safe?"

Kamarudin's comments came following the call by certain parties who are pushing for the boycott of non-Muslim products, and those who described the move as "unhealthy" as Malaysia is a multi-racial country.

Kamarudin supports the view of Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin who said the move was to promote Muslim products among Muslim buyers and not a boycott of all non-Muslim products.

He went on to cite a story in the Quran where a woman named Asma Abu Bakar received a gift from her non-Muslim mother.

At first, Asma was doubtful, but Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said there is no prohibition from taking something from non-Muslims.

Kamaruddin said the Prophet himself was invited to eat in the home of a non-Muslim Persian in the city of Medina.

He went along with his wife Aisyah and never asked if the food was halal or haram, he added.

"This is because the Prophet managed to build a society where everyone understands the sensitivities of others," said Kamaruddin, who is a member of the Penang Syura Council.

"If a non-Muslim invites us to eat in their home, they will automatically ensure the chicken is halal.

"Likewise, when we invite other races to our home, make sure we do not give them what they dislike. This is our tradition in Malaysia," added the Masjid Kapitan Keling propagation bureau chief.

Kamarudin said he has visited some 50 countries worldwide to propagate Islam and found Malaysia to be the best where minorities are concerned.

"You may disagree with the government, they are not angels, but trying to do their best. Malaysia is a place where everyone can survive if you put in an effort," he said.

He also related his experience where he has interviewed some abandoned senior citizens in Komtar and was told that their children no longer wanted them.

"They are not my family, but I feel sad. When a Chinese or Indian feels hungry, so do we. Hunger has no race," he said.

"So Malaysians, walk the talk. Islam teaches us to pay Zakat and also puasa (fast). So do something to help others, to overcome the barriers between our different communities".

Kamarudin, who manages the mosque in Jalan Kapitan Keling, invites all communities to visit him for interfaith dialogue, and said "our doors are open to all". - Mkini