On the heels of the crackdown on politicians and others charged with sedition of late, Muslims were today warned of certain groups raising issues against the social contract, just to capture power and influence..

These people, according to today's Friday sermon in mosques in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, are brave to question the position of Islam within the constitution, the role of the syariah court and the power of the monarch as the head of Islam and Malay culture in this country.

“They criticise and ridicule the rights of Muslims. We should look at what is happening right now and this is the result of the people being obsessed with individual rights, to the extent of not realising that this affects others.

“What is of greater concern is that there are certain portions of society that misinterpret issues, are not willing to listen to advice and are not satisfied with various issues, such as religion and ethnic and human rights.”

As a result of this, statistics from the police show that the authorities have received 853 reports on 33 cases on issues affecting the sensitivity of the races between January and July this year, from all over the country, the Friday sermon says.

Hence, the sermon, issued by the Islamic Advancement Department, advises Muslims not to act according to their whims or follow the directions of others who have interests to affect the tolerance of the people by raising issues that have been agreed upon.

“This is because it can lead to one hating another and this will affect the harmony and the peaceful situation of the country,” it adds.  

The sermon, titled “People's Tolerance”, was issued in connection with the Malaysia Day celebration that falls on Sept 16.

The country, it added, is not set solely on laws but also on the tolerance and unity of the people of diverse races and religions.

Intolerance leads to chaos

It further defines tolerance as not being too idealistic, too fanatical or too selfish in emphasising individual rights and as being open, realistic, pragmatic, patience and respecting others.

Those traits are important to be practised in the multiracial society of Malaysia to ensure a peaceful and harmonious situation for all.

Religious scholars such as Imam Nawawi have also emphasised that Muslims must be tolerant of others.

The social contract, which was formulated before Merdeka and accepted by all races, the Friday sermon emphasises, needs to be moderate.

“The tolerance that we practised should be based on the Quran and Al-sunnah (the practises of the prophet). Let's not allow extremist thinking of those who have interest and intend to see the country split to govern us.

“The tendencies of extremists will lead to chaos, resulting in disunity and weakening the country's socio-political standing. Do not use self-interests to destroy the unity that has been built so far.

“This is the time to remain united despite different political thinkings, and to shed away the bad elements that challenge the constitution and divert our thoughts,” the sermon says.

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