PAS lauds Selangor ruler's stance on interfaith visits, but mum on exceptions

 

Selangor PAS today lauded Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's stance that Muslims are allowed to visit other faiths’ places of worship to learn about different religions.

However, the party's state chief Ahmad Yunus Hairi (above) did not remark at all on the Selangor ruler's stance that Muslims are allowed to make such visits without taking part in rituals.

In his statement today, Yunus focused solely on the prohibition of proselytisation aspects of the sultan's interview with The Star today.

"Responsibly and attentively, the sultan reminded the people of this state to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding, especially since there are existing laws that prohibit the spread of other faiths and religions among Muslims.

"(The ruler hence affirmed) that the Selangor Islamic Council's (Mais) prohibition was precise and valid," he said.

Mais had two weeks ago said it is unlawful for Muslims to visit other religions’ houses of worship such as temples, churches and gurdwaras to learn about other faiths.

Sultan Sharafuddin said Mais' view was both correct and clear.

Yunus, in agreeing with the monarch, said: "Acting on His Majesty's wisdom, Selangor PAS takes this opportunity to call on all Muslims in Selangor to abide and adhere to this prohibition".

He added that Selangor PAS would strive to ensure compliance with Mais' prohibition.

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah

‘Jom Ziarah’ programme

Mais' stance against Muslims learning other faiths was in response to the recent controversy following a “Jom Ziarah” programme to promote mutual respect and understanding about the country’s diverse religions.

Impact Malaysia – an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry – organised a programme where youths were taken to visit different houses of worship.

However, Sultan Sharafuddin stressed during his interview that Muslims can visit other faiths' houses of worship - if they don't take part in rituals.

“There is nothing wrong with attending a wedding or a wake at a church, for example, but Muslims must just observe.

“Likewise, Christians, I believe, would not join in the prayers or rituals at a Taoist temple,” the ruler said.

He cited how his late grandfather Sultan Alam Shah visited the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 at the Westminster Abbey church, which was also approved of by the state mufti.

Likewise, Sultan Sharafuddin said the mufti told his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, that it was permissible to wear the medals and insignia on his uniform, including those that resemble the cross because those were not religious items.

Yunus did not comment on these aspects of the interview. - Mkini