Fears, insecurities restricting inter-religious activity among Muslims, says interfaith leader

 

The collaboration between a mosque and a Hindu temple in the aftermath of the Putra Heights fire on April 1 was a “positive example of unity”, according to Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship chairman Amir Farid Isahak.

PETALING JAYA: 

Visits by Muslim politicians to non-Muslim places of worship often spark public backlash due to long-standing fears within the Muslim community, says an interfaith leader.

Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship chairman Amir Farid Isahak said many Muslims struggle with distrust, driven by fears of proselytisation and a prevailing sense of insecurity.

“There is also the concern that some Muslims, out of ignorance, may participate in some religious rituals while visiting these places of worship,” he told FMT.

Amir, who is also Persatuan Harmoni Malaysia’s vice-president, was commenting on a visit by PAS’s Semenyih assemblyman Nushi Mahfodz to the Arulmigu Dewi Sri Karumariamman Alayam temple on April 6, which had sparked a public uproar.

Nushi later explained that he was there to engage with members of the Hindu community in his constituency but had refrained from participating in any of their rituals.

Amir said although many Muslims are keen to visit the houses of worship of other faiths – whether to foster relationships, out of architectural interest or simply out of curiosity – there is often a sense of unease, particularly among concerned parents and religious leaders.

“They have observed the Christianisation of the Chinese, Indian and the non-Malay indigenous races, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, and feel threatened by this,” he said.

While proselytising to Muslims is prohibited by law, Amir said the rules on entering non-Muslim places of worship tend to vary from state to state.

Amir acknowledged that such laws are aimed at preserving harmony. However, he said, the same outcome can be achieved without imposing overly stringent restrictions on Muslims.

“My personal opinion is that the correct way to safeguard the faith of Muslims is to improve their understanding of Islam and its practices and not by restricting inter-religious encounters,” he said.

He also urged event organisers to be better prepared for interfaith events and improve their understanding of interfaith dynamics to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and tensions.

Amir cited the recent collaboration between a mosque and a Hindu temple in the aftermath of the Putra Heights fire as a “positive example of unity in action”.

Both houses of worship were used as relief centres for the victims of the accident. - FMT