The labelling of DAP and others as kafir harbi, unbelievers whom Muslims must fight against, had recently contributed further to interfaith tensions in Malaysia.

Pahang Mufti Abdul Rahman Osman had not clarified at the start what exactly he meant by the term, which can amount to calling for the deaths of those who oppose Islam.

In an attempt to clear the air, Muslim NGO Ikram organised a forum in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan last night featuring five scholars to discuss on the topic 'Is the term kafir harbi still relevant?'.

While the scholars clearly had differing opinions and often took swipes at one another, the consensus last night was that the term kafir harbi is still relevant, as the Quranic texts and hadith that back it are still valid.

There was also a general consensus that those labelled as kafir harbi need not necessarily be killed.

International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM) professor Maszlee Malik said in modern times, the only real kafir harbi whom Muslims must wage war against are those who first wage war on Muslims, such as Israel.

"(But) scholars agree that any non-Muslims that live in a Muslim country are citizens, and not kafir harbi," Maszlee told the crowd of 300.

However Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia (Iksim) senior fellow Engku Ahmad Fadzil Engku Ali said non-Muslims who are citizens of Muslim states can still be labelled kafir harbi, but can't be killed.

"The Pahang mufti said we can't support or be in cahoots with them (kafir harbi), not that we can slaughter them.

"It's wrong to assume that once classified as kafir harbi, it is permissible to kill that person," Engku Ahmad Fadzil said.

Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah (Aswaja) chief Zamihan Mat Zin added there were exceptions to those who can be killed, including women, children, and the elderly.

'Don't offend sensitivities'

Umno Youth exco Fathul Bari Mat Jahya meanwhile said those with the authority to declare someone as kafir harbi must be wary and aware of the possible consequences of doing so.

At the same time he said, non-Muslims must also take caution not to offend Muslims sensitivities.

Amanah vice president Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus however said instead of taking an aggressive approach, Muslims should instead confront non-Muslims with kindness and avoid racial arguments.

Utusan Malaysia had previously quoted Abdul Rahman saying that DAP was kafir harbi for opposing PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's hudud bill.

Abdul Rahman subsequently clarified he had meant all those who opposed Islam were kafir harbi, not just DAP.

He has further clarified that he called for the kafir harbi to be opposed with debates, not weapons.

The mufti is being probed for sedition, but has refused to retract his remarks.

Pahang mufti didn't mean kafirs can be killed, says Umno Youth