Several religious leaders were quoted in some newspapers today to have criticised PAS vice-president Husam Musa's statement that those who attend the 'Black 505' rally at Padang Merbok tomorrow and die could be considered as syahid (martyrs).

Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said, in fact, those who oppose a legitimate government can be classified as traitors.

"They can face punishment for betraying the country. If they die opposing the government, it is not syahid ," the cleric was reported as saying in Berita Harian .

NONE Whereas former PAS ulama committee member associate professor Mohd Nor Deris was quoted in Utusan Malaysia as saying that Husam ( right in photo ) should be investigated for making such a statement.

"Who is Husam for making such a (religious) decree? What are his powers? Such religious rhetoric are dangerous in today's society," stressed Mohd Nor.

Husam had been quoted in party mouthpiece Harakah daily as claiming that "if anyone dies (in the gathering), insya Allah it is syahid fi sabilillah ".

Meanwhile, Johor Islamic Council adviser Nooh Gadut noted that Husam's personal opinion is dangerous.

"Such fatwa can only be decided by religious scholars who share similar views, like through the National Fatwa Council," he added.

Utusan in its front-page report also quoted NGO Muafakat Sejahtera Masyarakat Malaysia president Ismail Mina Ahmad as saying that special prayers are to be held after Friday prayers nationwide because the 'Black 505' gathering may cause chaos and anarchy.

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