The Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia (PUM) is not a publicity seeker but has the religious responsibility to respond to issues affecting the countrys Muslim community, its president Ghani Shamsudin said today.

By doing so, it does not mean that the ulama ( Muslim scholars) want to monopolise the religion and its interpretations, he told malaysiakini .

According to Ghani there is no such thing as monopolising Islam because anybody, including non-Muslims have access to resources to become knowledgeable on Islam.

In doing so, he said they must also respect the works of renowned Islamic scholars, which have become reference materials for university students majoring in Islamic studies.

Thats why we protested against several writers, including ( malaysiakini and New Straits Times columnist) Dr Farish A Noor who said there was no Islamic state during the time of Prophet Mohammad, defying everything written by renonwed Islamic scholars such as Karim Zaidin and Mahmud Helmi.

What concerned us most is the effect of his (Farish) words on public opinion concerning Islam. His view is very wrong, either due to his ignorance on the matter or he is being manipulated by certain quarters, said Ghani.

Recently, PUM lodged a report with the National Fatwa Council against Farish and business weekly The Edge over his remarks in an interview published by the newspaper.

Later PUM lodged another report with the Council of Rulers against Farish, The Sun columnist Akbar Ali, lawyer Malik Ithias, university lecturer Dr Patricia Martinez and Sisters in Islam executive director and Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner Zainah Anwar for their controversial remarks pertaining to the religion.

Monitor closely

Ghani said, from now on, PUM will monitor closely public speeches and statements, including those made by politicians on matters related to Islam.

If the speeches and statements are contrary to Islamic teachings, we will refer it to the appropriate authorities, including the religious departments and the Council of Rulers, he said.

He also advised those concerned to consult the ulama and Islamic scholars on matters pertaining to Islam if further clarification is needed.

We will not allow people without proper knowledge on Islam to simply talk about Islam without first checking their facts with the ulama or books written by renowned Islamic scholars, he said.