A DIFFERENT approach could have been taken when dealing with the matter of joint prayers at interfaith events, said Khalid Abdul Samad, following federal religious authorities’ directive barring Muslims from the practice.

Khalid, who is Federal Territories minister and Amanah communications director, said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) might have decided against joint prayers out of fear that they would cause confusion among Muslims and non-Muslims.

Jakim is probably worried that such prayers give an impression that all religions are the same, he said.

“I’ve been made to understand that (Jakim’s decision) was based on a fatwa (religious decree) by the National Fatwa Council. I do not know the rationale behind the fatwa.

“I feel it’s possible… that it is due to worry that society could get confused and assume that all religions are the same,” said the moderate Muslim leader known for his outreach efforts involving non-Muslims, and visits to churches and temples.

“How justified this worry is, is up to each of us to decide.”

If event organisers explain that religions are different from one another, he said, there would be no confusion and controversy over joint prayers.

“For me, if it is explained from the beginning… that all religions are different, and that we follow our respective practices, the assumption (that religions are the same) will not crop up.

“In fact, I think we all understand the reality that all religions are different.”

About a week ago, Jakim and the committee to promote understanding and harmony between religions (JKMPKA), which is under the national unity and integration department, issued a directive for Muslims not to take part in joint prayers.

The instruction refers to “doa beramai-ramai”, or reciting prayers together, before the start of events with Muslim and non-Muslim participants, covering two instances:

* When Muslims recite doa (prayer of supplication) simultaneously with members of other faiths, who recite their own prayers; and,

* When Muslim and non-Muslim groups each pray before the function begins.

The committee, in a letter, said joint prayers should be replaced with an activity where a message of unity is shared.

The directive has upset non-Muslim leaders, but Muslim groups have said it will not stop them from organising interfaith events. – September 16, 2019.