SULTAN NAZRIN: ISLAM HAS TO BE PROTECTED
Perak ruler warns against extremists who are tainting Malaysia’s image
MASRIWANIE MUHAMADING KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
SULTAN of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah urged Islamic scholars to re-examine the approach used in dakwah (preaching of Islam) efforts, as well as in addressing issues concerning religion in the country.
The sultan, in a decree, said in
z the face of rapid socio-cultural changes during this era of technological advancement, Islamic scholars had to deal with ummah who were more literate, educated and exposed to information, especially the younger generation.
“Allah has provided guidance to the Prophet on the formula to call for goodness by emphasising three methods that can empower the intellectualism of dakwah and bring prosperity to the ummah.
“The first is to approach dakwah with wisdom. The second is to give good lessons and reminders. And, the third is to have debates in an orderly and polite manner.
“None of these methods advocate violence, disrespect and trigger tension. Society is instead encouraged to acquire goodness in a wise, polite, orderly and civilised manner,” he said at the Perak-level Maulidur Rasul celebration in Ipoh yesterday.
He said a dakwah approach based on wisdom was defined as to how to conduct an affair wisely, based on science combined with convincing proof that could be easily understood.
He said lessons and reminders conveyed in a sensible manner would have the benefit of leaving a profound effect in the hearts of the people while bringing them closer to preachers.
“Islam should be protected and expanded through a prudent, polite and respectful approach; implemented without constraint, pressure and violence; and should not involve actions that can bring the degradation or humiliation of others.”
He said while moderation had been part of Malaysia’s identity, it was being tainted by the actions of certain individuals and institutions in the country.
“Words of insult and acts of revenge, intimidation, arrests and detention with interrogation methods, that contain elements of torture and harassment have given a negative image to the way Islam is practised in this country.
“Allah does not give any power to anyone to condemn a person as a member of heaven or hell.”
He said Muslims were not permitted to ostracise any group or burn bridges that would result in the humiliation of a person.
He cited an example of a person who refused to handle the dead body of a fellow Muslim because of a misunderstanding or differences in opinion.
“Such extreme and outrageous actions are in conflict with the noble qualities exhibited by Prophet Muhammad. Such actions must be stopped and eradicated,” he said.
The sultan urged the majority of the ummah, who adhered to the practice of moderation in Islam, to come out with strong voices, and not to be overpowered by extremists, who were smaller in number.