Inappropriate for Muslims to call themselves priests - Penang mufti

 

Muslims are advised to refrain from engaging in actions that can be misunderstood or associated with other religions.

Although in principle such an action can be considered as syubhah (doubtful), Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said the situation is worsened when it leads to haram (forbidden) acts.

Contacted by Malaysiakini, Wan Salim (above) said using a title such as “priest” can be misunderstood because it usually refers to dignitaries in other religions.

"It's called syubhah (because it's a phrase for dignitaries in other religions). The meaning of the name is confusing," he said.

Talk of a Muslim man who goes by the name Moslem Priest and is believed to be a nightclub deejay has been circulating on social media.

He is also alleged to be related to a prominent figure in the country.

Malaysiakini is trying to contact the said individual for his comments on the matter.

Wan Salim said the title “priest” is often used for Christian religious leaders.

"In Islam, there is no term for a pastor or a priest, for someone who has gone on pilgrimage, or a scholar if someone has knowledge.

"Therefore, the term priest is used in religions other than Islam... specifically Christianity," he added.

Misleading others

This was echoed by Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, who felt that someone who professed Islam should not do things related to other religions.

For example, he said, someone who wears saffron yellow clothes can be considered to look like a Buddhist monk.

Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad

"It is wrong to do things related to other religions," he said.

Shukri also questioned the purpose behind the name being used, whether it was just for fun or if he is proudly using the name associated with other religions.

"If he is proud of it, it is forbidden in Islam," he said.

Shukri added that the action may only be forgiven if the individual involved acted in ignorance.

Even so, he said that such things are generally forbidden in Islam because they can have bad consequences. This includes misleading others and inviting slander.

"In the prophet's hadith, it is mentioned that whoever tries to imitate the actions of other religions, then he is part of them.

"That's an indication of strict prohibition in Islam. In other words, it's banned," he said.

Shukri also advised Muslims to be more careful with any actions involving religion.

He said it is sufficient for a Muslim to be proud of the characteristics and teachings of Islam and attempts to mix it with other religions can be considered as making fun of Islam.

"We appear to have insulted our own religion because Prophet Muhammad said that Islam is at the highest place, so there is nothing else that can overcome Islam," he explained. - Mkini