Haj vs ballot: Reject Hadi's 'distorted' fatwa - Amanah Youth tells Muslims

Summary

• Amanah Youth takes a swing at PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s statement during the by-election campaign.

• The wing’s leader says Muslims must be courageous to call out anyone who exploits religion for political purposes.

AYER KUNING POLLS | Amanah Youth has issued a rallying cry for Muslims to “rise up” against what it calls a dangerous and politically motivated suggestion by Abdul Hadi Awang, after the PAS president urged them to delay their haj in order to vote.

The wing’s director of syariah and preaching, Hafiz Roslan, condemned Hadi’s stance as a reckless misuse of religion for political gain.

He reminded Malaysians of the public outrage sparked during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Perikatan Nasional government imposed restrictions on Friday prayers and religious activities in the name of public health.

“But today, Hadi openly states that the haj can be postponed to prioritise elections - even though there is no emergency, no pandemic, and no religious prohibition.

“We should all rise up together and reject Hadi’s distorted ‘fatwa’ (religious ruling).

“We must be consistent and fair, and brave enough to call out anyone who exploits religion for purely political purposes,” he said in a statement.

Hafiz was reacting to Hadi’s remarks at a campaign event in support of PN’s candidate for the Ayer Kuning by-election in Perak.

During his speech, Hadi repeated his controversial claim that many Malaysian Muslims are more focused on fulfilling the haj and umrah than on engaging in political processes that could shape national governance.

‘Partisan politics clouding Hadi’s judgment’

Calling the remarks “an insult” to the sacred duties of Muslims, Hafiz accused Hadi of undermining the core tenets of Islam in pursuit of partisan power.

“It belittles the demands of the religion and shows how partisan politics has clouded his judgment.

“What’s more worrying is that some supporters will swallow this argument whole without question, due to blind fanaticism and a lack of proper religious understanding.

“Amanah Youth urges all Malaysians, regardless of political background, to take a clear stand,” he added.

‘Irresponsible’ comment

Similarly, Johor DAP vice-chairperson Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali slammed the PAS leader’s comments as “irresponsible”.

“I believe Hadi’s statement has the potential to distort the understanding of the fifth pillar of Islam among Muslims in this country.

“As Muslims, we are aware that Islam is the true religion. Defending Islam is a sacred struggle.

“Moreover, the Ayer Kuning by-election is a democratic platform to elect a representative. Both candidates are Muslims representing their respective parties,” he said, referring to BN’s Yusri Bakir.

Yusri is contesting the state seat against PN’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and PSM’s Bawani KS. Voters will head to the polls on April 26.

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