Hadi’s interpretation of secularism is dangerous for Malaysia

 

For a large number of Muslims and PAS members, party president Abdul Hadi Awang’s sermons amount to the gospel truth, whether one likes it or not. His pronouncements of Islamic beliefs are taken by his staunch followers as some kind of religious edict or fatwa.

But his column on Jan 1 to welcome the new year was very troubling indeed.

He said secularism is a bigger sin compared to slander and murder because secularism kills Islamic beliefs and faith in Allah. “It is the biggest sin in Islam,” he declared.

Hair-raising stuff.

Although he made direct references to DAP as a way of getting around racial undertones, he was implying that the secular way of life practised by more than 60% of Malaysians goes against Islam.

Most dictionaries define secularism as the principle of seeking to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations, uninvolved with religion. The basic principle of freedom of expression and choice, which is guaranteed by the constitution, is also part of secularism.

Secularism is often misunderstood with atheism. This is completely false. Secularism is choosing our religion and beliefs and following the religious practices and traditional values.

It is just a framework for the society to strive for equality in every aspect. But equality has its limits in Malaysia in view of constitutional privileges accorded to Bumiputeras,

In most countries, such freedom is bound and controlled by local laws. Like in Malaysia, a non-Muslim cannot proselytise his faith to a Muslim. We have sedition laws to check insults to race, religion and royalty. Which is quite understood and accepted by most Malaysians.

Everyone knows that the Federal Constitution was based on secular practices while protecting Islam and giving it due respect and place as the official religion. No one in his right mind will question this, every Malaysian has accepted this.

In this context, is Hadi saying the Federal Constitution is going against Islam?

When it comes to seizing and holding political power, Hadi and PAS willingly embrace secularism as can be seen by their acceptance of parties and leaders who are secularists.

They even have a wing for non-Muslims, who obviously are not only products of secularism but also live a lifestyle based on the constitutional rights given by secular practices.

Although Hadi’s “secularism edict” is directed at Muslims, he has failed to understand that the politics, businesses and operations of the entire nation have been derived from secular practices.

You cannot separate the two, secularism and Islam must co-exist for a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society to progress. The Malaysia of today is the living example of such cooperation since Independence 68 years ago.

Why, even Hadi’s current comfortable lifestyle and the huge salaries and allowances that he, PAS leaders and government employees receive are derived mainly from secularist operations and principles.

It’s not hard to imagine the impact these kinds of statements will have on the young innocent minds and others who buy these pronouncements from a respected religious scholar like Hadi hook, line and sinker.

It will have a devastating effect if Hadi and PAS keep drilling this into the minds of students in Islamic religious schools. As they grow up, they will start looking at others with disdain.

It may not be a direct attempt to drive a wedge between the Muslims and others but Hadi is unwittingly or otherwise pitting the two communities against each other.

No one, especially the authorities, should take this lightly as the Harakah Daily has a huge reach via its online and print versions.

The long-term consequences of this interpretation can be dangerous for the harmony of the nation. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.