Permit me to comment on the recent flurry of letters, especially from non-Muslims, with regard to the recent Jawi raid on the nightclubs.
While I, for the record, do not totally agree with how the Jawi officials detained the 100 Muslims who patronised the place, I find it condescendingly irritating to see some non-Muslims hailing these 100 people who were caught in the nightclubs as 'moderate Muslims'.
One writer actually said that 'non-Muslims should come out and support these moderate Muslims and voice their common concern because they are the 'shield'. Frankly, I do not see the right of any non-Muslim to comment on the issue. This is solely a Muslim problem and has nothing to do with those who are not Muslims. And to answer another writer, a 'law' does to be written for Muslims to know that a nightclub is the last place they should patronise.
A place where there is free mixing of the sexes with the serving of liquour is certainly not a place a Muslim is encouraged to visit.
Nonetheless, I try to be pragmatic in realising that there is a much bigger reason as to why some Muslims visit such places even though it is forbidden by the 'deen' to do so. Basically, these folk do not recognise any other form of entertainment besides what is provided by nightclubs.
As they are not provided any Islam-sanctioned alternatives, they would not really have much of a choice but to acquiesce to their inner desires and visit such places to enjoy the only form of entertainment they know.
Jawi officials should recognise the fact that no matter how many raids they conduct, there will still be some Muslims who do not appreciate the 'deen' and who will continue to patronise these sort of places.
Instead of raiding nightclubs and creating misconceptions amongst non-Muslims, Jawi officials should organise events and activities to fill the lives of these Muslims with meaning and slowly pull them away from such places. Even a concert which does not contravene basic Islamic percepts can be organised, if Jawi actually make the effort.
Where there is a will, there is a way. I wish Jawi all the best in upholding 'amaar ma'aruf nahi mungkar'.