Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi has clarified that he reprimanded PAS as a responsible Muslim and not an academic.
“I am speaking as a Muslim who upholds the tradition and values of Prophet Muhammad in the highest esteem,” he told Malaysiakini.
“As a Muslim, I have a responsibility to remind Muslims who aspire to be leaders in the tradition of those who reminded Caliph Umar Al Khattab in the mosque of his long garment,” he added.
The professor of architecture was responding to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan who told the former to stick to his field of expertise instead of churning out “shallow” political analyses.
This was after Tajuddin described Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh as a “kitten” compared to PAS, which he claimed is a tiger that posed a threat to the nation with its brand of political Islam.
The academic said he was also observing the tradition of Caliph Abu Bakr, who told others not to follow him if he deviated from the Quran and sunnah or examples of Prophet Muhammad.
“As Allah is my witness, I am a lone Muslim merely reminding Muslim leaders to treat all people with dignity, justice and honour,” he added.
Tajuddin, who said Takiyuddin’s tongue-lashing did not come as a surprise, added that while he respected the PAS leader’s views, he, however, disagreed with them.
“He claims I attempted to divert attention from the trouble within Pakatan Harapan due to the disagreement between Akmal and (DAP vice-chairperson) Teresa (Kok).
“That is far from the case. The issues I raised are pertinent and reflective of whether PAS is qualified to rule, let alone rule a multiracial and multireligious nation.
“For me, uttering derogatory and demeaning remarks reflects a person’s soul,” he added.
Qunut Nazilah misuse
On his example of Perikatan Nasional lawmakers reciting the Qunut Nazilah in Parliament after one of the coalition’s MPs was suspended, Tajuddin maintained that it was not an insignificant episode.
“I will say it again. It is very serious,” he added.
Following this incident in July, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Qunut Nazilah should not be recited to pray for the destruction of political rivals within the Muslim community.
Stressing that ruling is considered a grave responsibility in Islam, Tajuddin cited another example involving Caliph Umar to drive the point home.
“The caliph decided to carry a sack of grain to a poor woman's household because he felt responsible for his neglect of the family.
“If PAS and Takiyuddin want to rule Malaysia, they should look to their own Islamic tradition of honouring the dignity of all mankind,” he added. - Mkini
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