In what appeared to be a salvo at PKR, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has told Muslims not to use Islamic terms to justify their refusal to support hudud.

He noted that Muslim opponents to hudud have used terms such as siyasah syari'yyah (political Islam), maqasid syari'ah (higher objectives of syariah), fiqh aulawiyyat (understanding of priorities) and maslahah (public interest).

"When discussing a heavy topic such as this, surely it would not be nice to act like a parrot that only knows how to repeat words taught by its master...

"But remain as an animal that cannot think and understand the reality and meaning of those words," he said in an open letter to Muslims.

While Abdul Hadi did not specifically name PKR, the terms referred to by the PAS leader were used in PKR's official statement on March 21 to state the latter’s objection to the hudud bill.

"We were never informed of the private member's bill. It is a unilateral decision without notice to Pakatan Rakyat partners and contravenes the Pakatan leadership council's decision on Feb 8.

"PKR maintains its original position that it would not support it based on the principles of fiqh al-awlawiyyat , maslahat ummah, and maqasid syariah ," read the statement.

Abdul Hadi then went on to elaborate on the terms in detail, saying that it was an explanation for Muslims who are "ignorant".

He said while the terms set parameters in managing Islamic law, it cannot be tantamount to a complete rejection of the theocratic law.

Use of the 'Allah' term

For example, he said under the concept of maqasid syariah , the Caliph Umar had chosen not to amputate the hands of thieves under hudud during a long drought. But nonetheless, Islamic law still applied and they were judged under takzir.

"Another example is the term 'Allah' which could be used by non-Muslims, even though to our interpretation, it is wrong.

"But when the objective (of non-Muslims) to use the word is to confuse ignorant Musims, then the authorities have a right to prevent it (non-Muslims from using 'Allah')," he said.

On the concept of Fiqh Aulawiyyat, Abdul Hadi said Muslims are exempted from hudud because proselyting to them first is seen as a more important priority.

"As an example, the acquisition of land to build a hospital or road is permissible as public interest supersedes private interest or the interest of the few but the land owners must be fairly compensated," he said.

All this, added Abdul Hadi, is within the framework of Islamic law and does not allow a rejection of it. This similarly applies to the concept of maslahah .

He added that critics should not be overreacting to PAS' push for hudud without understanding the matter first.

Abdul Hadi also took aim at critics branding hudud as a form of cruel punishment when civil law prescribed punishments such as hanging to death and whipping.