Illogical to ban non-Muslims from mosque, says Asri
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Former Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin advised Muslims today not to use the non-Muslims in mosques issue to win political points.
Asri said such an action would only tarnish Islam’s image.
“The issue was started by politicians. But in their attempt to attack their opponents, do not misinterpret Islamic teachings,” said Asri in his latest blog entry.
“If we want to refuse them entry, that is another matter,” he added.
However Asri said declaring a total ban on non-Muslims to enter mosque would cause misunderstandings.
“The Prophet had received (non-Muslims) representatives in a mosque, how can they be banned from entering the mosque today,” he added.
Asri admitted that Muslim scholars did not have a consensus on non-Muslims visiting mosques but the majority believed that it was encouraged.
“Majority of Islamic jurists including those who belong to the Shafie school of thought were of the opinion that non-Muslims are allowed to enter mosques if there is a need for it,” he said.
“In a multireligious country like ours, the view was not only strong but it also helps in Islamic missionary work,” added Asri.
Citing Prophet Mohamad’s practice and a decree by the Saudi Arabia government, Asri said mosques’ functions should be expanded to become information centres for non-Muslims.
“The mosque should disseminate information on Islam to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims,” said Asri.
Asri said the move to ban non-Muslims from entering mosques would further distance the community from Islam.
“There are already too many Taliban-like fatwas in the country that have made Muslims to turn against non-Muslims and now the space to introduce them Islam has been closed,” said Asri.
“The mosque is portrayed as hostile and they are not allowed to come close. But at the same time non-Muslims are inviting Muslims to their places of worship,” he added.
“In the end we only perpetuate the animosity and would fail to put a stop to suspicions against this beautiful religion. Which direction are we taking Islam to?” asked Asri.
Asri said that he was worried that the political competition would result in misinterpretation of Islamic teachings.
“Political consideration and assessment in Islam based on knowledge methodology are two different things,” he said.
“Truth in Islam is colour blind and non-partisan. It does not matter where it comes from and in whose favour,” added Asri.
Malay rights group Perkasa has demanded that syariah laws be created to ban non-Muslims from entering mosques and suraus.
The group’s call comes in the wake of controversy surrounding Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, following reports that she had entered the Surau Al-Huda in her Kajang constituency, during a visit there to deliver aid to the surau.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders including PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had defended Teo over her mosque visit.
Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali also accused Nik Aziz of failure to defend Islamic principles by backing Teo.
Another PR lawmaker William Leong has also come under fire from Umno-owned newspaper Utusan Malaysia for visiting a mosque in his parliamentary constituency, Selayang. - The Malaysian Insider
Asri said such an action would only tarnish Islam’s image.
“The issue was started by politicians. But in their attempt to attack their opponents, do not misinterpret Islamic teachings,” said Asri in his latest blog entry.
“If we want to refuse them entry, that is another matter,” he added.
However Asri said declaring a total ban on non-Muslims to enter mosque would cause misunderstandings.
“The Prophet had received (non-Muslims) representatives in a mosque, how can they be banned from entering the mosque today,” he added.
Asri admitted that Muslim scholars did not have a consensus on non-Muslims visiting mosques but the majority believed that it was encouraged.
“Majority of Islamic jurists including those who belong to the Shafie school of thought were of the opinion that non-Muslims are allowed to enter mosques if there is a need for it,” he said.
“In a multireligious country like ours, the view was not only strong but it also helps in Islamic missionary work,” added Asri.
Citing Prophet Mohamad’s practice and a decree by the Saudi Arabia government, Asri said mosques’ functions should be expanded to become information centres for non-Muslims.
“The mosque should disseminate information on Islam to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims,” said Asri.
Asri said the move to ban non-Muslims from entering mosques would further distance the community from Islam.
“There are already too many Taliban-like fatwas in the country that have made Muslims to turn against non-Muslims and now the space to introduce them Islam has been closed,” said Asri.
“The mosque is portrayed as hostile and they are not allowed to come close. But at the same time non-Muslims are inviting Muslims to their places of worship,” he added.
“In the end we only perpetuate the animosity and would fail to put a stop to suspicions against this beautiful religion. Which direction are we taking Islam to?” asked Asri.
Asri said that he was worried that the political competition would result in misinterpretation of Islamic teachings.
“Political consideration and assessment in Islam based on knowledge methodology are two different things,” he said.
“Truth in Islam is colour blind and non-partisan. It does not matter where it comes from and in whose favour,” added Asri.
Malay rights group Perkasa has demanded that syariah laws be created to ban non-Muslims from entering mosques and suraus.
The group’s call comes in the wake of controversy surrounding Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, following reports that she had entered the Surau Al-Huda in her Kajang constituency, during a visit there to deliver aid to the surau.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders including PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat had defended Teo over her mosque visit.
Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali also accused Nik Aziz of failure to defend Islamic principles by backing Teo.
Another PR lawmaker William Leong has also come under fire from Umno-owned newspaper Utusan Malaysia for visiting a mosque in his parliamentary constituency, Selayang. - The Malaysian Insider
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