If the arguments put forth by people like controversial academic Ridhuan Tee Abdullah are not countered, we may soon have our own version of Islamic State (IS), warns an NGO.

 

“‘Moderation’ in Islam means ‘Al Wasathiyah’ and it is an important part of the religion. As such the deviation from this principle is what causes ‘Irhab Al Fikri’ or ‘terrorism on thought’,” said Sisters in Islam (SIS) researcher Afiq Mohamad Noor.

 

According to him, this could open a path which leads to “physical terrorism”.

 

“In Malaysia, we may not physically have terrorists such as IS, but if thinking styles like Ridhuan’s are not curbed, Malaysia might soon have its own IS,” he said in a statement yesterday.

 

Afiq was responding to the controversial lecturer’s article in Sinar Harian on Monday, where Ridhuan ( right ) had scoffed at the joint letter urging moderation by 25 eminent Muslims, arguing that there is no such thing as a ‘moderate Muslim’.

 

“They claim to be moderate Muslims? What is the meaning of moderate? Islam is not a moderate religion. Islam is fundamental in nature,” he had said in his column.

 

Afiq pointed out that the practice of moderation has been recognised by Islamic scholars such as Al Imam Ibnu Taymiyah, Ibnu Al Qayyim, Al Syathibi and Ibnu Atheer.

 

“I wonder whether Ridhuan ever read the works of the great scholars who argue that moderation (Al Wasathiyah) is an integral part of Islam,” he asked.

 

Don’t pollute Islam, Ridhuan told

 

Afiq added that having a group of people who dominate and control Islam is “foreign and unheard of” in the traditions of the religion.

 

Islam, he said, has never recognise societal classification such as “clergies”, for example.

 

“These are the groups that reject scientific discussions and debates, which also use their influence and power to label people with different views as infidels and heretics.

 

“Thus, this makes Islam seem like a religion that is rigid, stationary and anti-establishment,” he asserted, adding that Islam is not a exclusive religion to be monopolised by certain groups in society.

 

The attitude of the authorities and religious groups who monopolise religion, Afiq said, are likes barons controlling their companies.

“I’d like to remind Ridhuan that his personal attacks are contradictory to Islamic values as well as the Malay culture.

 

“If I were given a choice to leave behind the principles of human rights and freedom of expression which I believe in, then without a doubt, I would advise Ridhuan to shut up and stop embarrassing and polluting the image of the religion that I love,” he stressed.