An Islamic non-governmental organisation today said the religion does not forbid non-Muslims with noble intentions from entering the premises of a mosque.

In fact, Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) Selangor chairperson Mohd Kamal Mohd Rathi said such a move should be praised and encouraged.

JIM Selangor was responding to a report concerning the protest memorandum sent to the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) by Umno Youth.

xavier selangor interview 080408 Umno Youth was peeved with the decision to permit Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar ( left ) to deliver a speech at a mosque in Sri Andalas, Klang.

Following this, Jais said it would take action against the mosque’s committee, with its director drawing flak for likening the permission granted to a non-Muslim to allowing a Muslim woman who is menstruating to enter the mosque.

However, the mosque's committee had defended their action.

Islam espouses tolerance

Commenting on this, Mohd Kamal said Islam espouses tolerance between Muslims and non-Muslims.

"If a non-Muslim enters a mosque with good intentions such as wanting to learn about the practices of Islam or to deliver a message to increase understanding, then this is something which should be praised and encouraged," he added.

In view of this, he said JIM Selangor wants the Muslim community and religious authorities to view this issue sincerely based on the points stated in the Quran and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet).

Mohd Kamal also noted that the majority of the ulama (classical religious scholars) were of the view that the restriction pertaining to non-Muslims entering mosques was limited to the Masjidil Haram in Mecca and the holy land.

He said the conclusion is that non-Muslims should be allowed to enter mosques based on several conditions such as:

1) They should enter only after seeking permission from a Muslim.

2) They must have valid reasons for doing so.

3) They must respect the sanctity of the mosque as a place of worship for Muslims.

4) Both men and women should dress appropriately.