At sixes and sevens over Zakir Naik

The Malaysian Insight The Malaysian Insight Updated 7 years ago · Published on 17 Mar 2019 7:05PM · 9 Comments

A photo posted on Mujahid Yusof Rawa's Facebook page on March 12 of his meeting with controversial preacher Zakir Naik. Mujahid should warn Zakir to toe the line, not describe his preaching as inspiring to Malaysians or explain the Islamic model in the country. – Facebook pic, March 17, 2019.

THE simple question is, why does Mujahid Yusof Rawa need to explain Malaysia’s Islamic model to anyone, especially controversial preacher Zakir Naik?

That was his explanation today after furore erupted over his meeting with the Indian preacher this past week, whom the de facto Islamic affairs minister has praised for his inspiring preaching.

“The meeting involved (explanations) on the model of Islam, rahmatan lil alamin and maqasid shariah, and how I could inform him on how the concepts are practised in Malaysia,” Mujahid said today.

Mujahid has come in for a lot of criticism from religious leaders and the public for posting on Facebook a picture of him meeting Zakir. In that post, Mujahid had written, “his experience in dakwah (preaching) throughout the world is an inspiration for us to continue preaching work”.

So, which is which? To get Zakir’s feedback or explain to him what is kosher in Malaysia?

At this point, it seems that Mujahid is confused. 

Why is he discussing the country’s Islamic model with a foreigner – a foreigner whose preaching methods are divisive and unsuitable for multi-religious Malaysia?

Was the meeting political? Do Mujahid and his friends believe that by taking this approach, they can reclaim some of the Malay vote from PAS/Umno?

They are mistaken.

This speaking through both sides of the mouth will only serve to alienate the voters who put them in power. All while still making Malay-Muslims wary of Mujahid and his cohorts.

Or perhaps they are seeking a return to the days when they were also-rans?

The reality is simple: Malaysia has to find its own way in faith and interfaith ties and does not need a minister to explain it to anyone – especially a preacher whose preaching is divisive and insulting to other faiths.

Leave it to the police to police Zakir. After all, the police are doing that to those who rant on social media. A man, whom no one in the country really knows, is jailed 10 years for a post insulting Islam but household names like Zakir get away for doing the same to other faiths.

If anything, Mujahid should just warn Zakir to toe the line, not describe his preaching as inspiring to Malaysians or to explain the Islamic model in the country.

The man can speak, so he can also read and understand Malaysia and not come between the various communities in the country without the need for any minister to remind him of this. – March 17, 2019.

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Comments

  • Just send him back! We don't want this preacher or any preacher!

    Posted 7 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • When the calling of Agama comes it hold precedence and preference over others that is not in similar faith. Those of the same faith are thoroughly welcome eventho' they are potential terrorist . It is now proven in the silly notions by Mujahid in his shallow explanations. The Malay politicians in Malaysia are totally lost in their reasoning and rationlisation. They have already lost their culture to Arabisation and now they are have even forgo their Malay identity and practises by willingly listen to undesirable element who hold them in bonfage by the guise of religion.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Why the hell is Mujahid sucking up to this bigot. Zakir Naik can only inspire more extremists in the Muslim community. He should be expelled from our country. Period.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • What game is Mujahid playing? Well, Mujahid, Zakir Naik did inspire the Mufti of Perlis to follow in his footsteps and lash out at Hindus in his LEMBU POEM. If you have not read it, here it is. So you agree with what the Mufti said after being inspired by Zakir Naik?

    Berikut nukilan Asri sepenuhnya:
    ..apabila yang mempertuhankan lembu bersatu..
    lantas menyeru agar pendakwah kita dibelenggu..
    mahu diserahkan kepada kerajaan zalim menyembah api dan penganut sati..
    pembakar wanita janda..di benua sana..
    ajaran yang mengkastakan manusia..
    sedih, sehingga ada yang dipanggil paria..
    wajarkah manusia diperlakukan demikian rupa..
    betapa menghina insan sesama..
    di sini pula tidak pernah mereka berterima kasih kepada apa yang ada..
    berpakat mereka membuat angkara..
    kita tidak boleh berdiam bahasa..
    toleransi dan kesabaran ada hadnya..
    puisi pagi jumaat..

    Posted 7 years ago by Ravinder Singh · Reply

  • Many people suffer excessive obsession with religion, not knowing that they are actually obsessive with the entity called "self". That's how they turn selfish and then start to alienate others. The world thus become a place fill with troubles.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Tun cried for my vote...so that he could protect F1,
    flying car and zakir naik. would loved to see the video clips again..what new Malaysia?

    Posted 7 years ago by . . · Reply

  • Meh, It's a free country. We will evaluate you at the end of your term.

    Posted 7 years ago by Luke Skywalker · Reply

    • Do not think it is always easy, as politicians always make it difficult.

      Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • ZN is staying in Malaysia. Therefore, he needs to be reminded and schooled about the model of Islam being mooted by PH government in Malaysia Baru post GE14 i.e Islam that respects multiculturism, moderate and tolerant. That was the purpose of the meeting between the Minister and him.

    Posted 7 years ago by Abdullah Abdul Karim · Reply