Refrain from calling for Islamic state, Perlis mufti tells Muslims

comments     Published     Updated

Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin today suggested that Muslims, and in particular Muslim minorities, should refrain from calling for the formation of an Islamic state or enforcement of Islamic laws that rule over others.

Further, Asri in a statement said that calls for enforcement of ‘contextual’ Islamic laws that carries pre-conditions, such as ‘chopping off hands’ and stoning, should also be stopped.

“The focus of Muslims now should be to strengthen the ummah’s understanding of the religion and a positive image of Islam,” Asri said in a statement, following a recent visit to Thailand for a programme co-hosted by local Muslim religious bodies.

The Thai Muslim minority in Southern Thailand - which has been living under conditions marred by civil strife and unrest, has called on the central government to accord them autonomy.

At the same time, the former lecturer also said that Islam must be promoted effectively at all levels in a manner that focused on its positive values.

“The focus should be on positive values and civilisation as taught by Islam, not campaigning for contextual laws which are not conducive in current times,” he said.

The Jakarta bombings last month had triggered renewed fears on possible terrorist attacks linked to the Islamic State network in Syria.

Malaysia and Indonesia have been on high alert and a series of arrests were made by authorities in both countries of individuals allegedly connected to the regional IS network.



Malaysiakini
news and views that matter


Sign In