THERE is little tolerance for interpretations of Islamic tenets outside of what is prescribed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), say scholars.

“In Malaysia, there’s only one version of Islam and it is the one approved by Jakim,” said Ahmad Farouk Musa of the Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) in a forum today.

Malaysia officially recognises the Sunni denomination of Islam and the Shafie school of jurisprudence. 

According to the Pew Research Centre, Sunnis constitute close to 90% of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslim population.

Farouk said the country has a history of state discrimination against Shia Islam, which religious authorities considered to be deviant.

“When we vilify one sect that has existed for thousands of years, such as Shia, that’s a real problem,” Farouk said at the forum organised by IRF, entitled ‘Moderation in al-Qur’an: Between two extreme points’.

“We need to accept diversity not only on other religions but intra our religion. We are oppressing these subgroups. The question of human rights is something that is inherent within us,” he said. 

Farouk also spoke of discrimination against Wahabism, a movement that was outlawed by the National Fatwa Council in 2015.

“I believe now we are in that process heading towards extremism where the country will impose its interpretation of religion on its subjects,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad El-Muhammady of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said Islamic issues remained unresolved due to the lack of communication.

“Megaphone diplomacy often fails because you never get the full picture of the story. You need direct engagement with Jakim.”

“We need to meet with the leaders (of Jakim) otherwise we will fight until we become old. Shouting at one another (through the media) is very immature,” said Ahmad. 

Maszlee Malik of IIUM said the Muslim ummah should not be caught up with “jargon” but struggle to overcome evil.

“We should be discussing how to prevent a kleptocratic government, or how to create a system that accords people equal opportunity. 

“There’s no need to get drawn into arguments over definitions on what is moderate, or what constitutes Wahabism.”

Maszlee said Islam gives prominence to good governance. 

“We need to provide for people’s future and ensure there is rule of law. I don’t like to talk about all this jargon,” he said. 

“Tolerance is actually a bad word. I prefer the word love. Let’s love one another.” – August 19, 2017.