The recent forum by the Bar Councils saw the wrath of many Muslims who were dead against the idea of such an attempt. They claimed it was a deliberate attempt by non-Muslims to undermine Islam and the Malay Muslims’ unquestionable rights.

When the top leaders of the country echoed a similar concern, it became all the more reason for some 300 staunch Muslims to demonstrate at the Bar Council forcing the forum to be aborted.

To be frank, I think forums of this nature should go on from time to time. It must not be perceived as non-Muslims opposing Islam.

In fact, I believe more Muslims would have the opportunity to know about the difficulties and traumatic experiences that the families of converts are put through in the event the conversion is done without prior knowledge of the concerned family. This is the issue.

Taking the matter to the courts to decide who is wrong or right would not be necessary if the whole conversion process could be handled professionally.

Here, I must point out the natural law which governs all of us regardless of race or religion and that is: ‘Do what pleases you, but do not do what displeases others’.

I would say more often if not, conversion in Malaysia takes place for the purpose of getting married to a Muslim and in some cases for reasons that many do not even know about.

Anyone who sincerely believes in his religion would do all possible things to show how his new religion has made him better. And for those who subscribe to this principle, my kudos to you. But unfortunately, we do not see that often in Malaysia.

What we see most of the time is:

a. Someone secretly converts to Islam and continues to keep it a secret;

b. the Islamic affairs department does not engage these converts until death takes place when they use their legal rights to claim the deceased who thus far posed as a non-Muslim;

c. There are also people who convert for material gain as Muslims in Malaysia are entitled to certain rights and privileges

Hence, for conversions taking place under the abovementioned circumstances, it is difficult to believe that these converts do not have an ulterior motives in the absence of true love for their newly found religion.

Let me point out that these converts would not help Islam attain its glory but would, in fact, tarnish its nobility.

There have been individuals who converted secretly to Islam and maintained this secret throughout their lifetimes. And during that time, they did everything opposed to Islam. However, upon their deaths, the Islamic authorities insist on burying them as Muslims.

What is the point? Can a religion like Islam allow this? Religion is godly, no matter what religion it is. Conversion - if takes place - must be for a good cause.

Converts must be role models and inspire those who want to follow in their footsteps. That is the only way for a religion to be respected and trusted.

We who claim to be religious must do and behave as our religions want us too; there is nothing for God to prove and neither is he is not going to appear before each and every one of us to prove his existence and mightiness.

It is we, with our attitude, our humanity and love that will prove God the Creator exists and he is the mightiest and most loving. In so saying, I pose a question to my fellow friends who hold to their principles.

Did the 300 protestors who forced the closure of the recent Bar Council forum demonstrate the values and virtues of Islam?