It’s okay to enter temples, wear garlands, says PAS No. 2

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 2 Oct 2018 5:35PM · 4 Comments

Port Dickson by-election candidate Anwar Ibrahim has been seen at temples and other cultural events. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 2, 2018.

MUSLIMS are not forbidden from entering non-Muslim places of worship, said Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, a day after Hadi Abdul Awang questioned Anwar Ibrahim for doing so.

The PAS deputy president said donning flower garlands, which are often placed by Hindus when welcoming honoured guests, is also allowed in Islam.

“The history of Islam tells about Caliph Umar who entered a church in Palestine. What is barred in Islam is entering non-Muslim places of worship with the intention of following their religious ceremonies,” he was quoted as saying by party organ Harakadaily.

Tuan Ibrahim also said wearing non-Muslim items like clothing associated with their religion was not allowed but flower garlands are all right.

Hadi during a ceramah on Sunday said Anwar was an opportunist and an actor who cannot be trusted.

The Marang MP said Anwar behaved like a Chinese when he went to their temple and an Indian when he went to their temple, so he is not acting like a true Muslim.

Anwar visited a Chinese temple yesterday on the campaign trail and, in the past, had no qualms joining cultural events organised by the Indian community.

Anwar immediately shot back that Hadi was being petty when he picked on the visits to non-Muslim places of worship.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang accuses PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim of being an opportunist and an actor who cannot be trusted. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 2, 2018.

The Port Dickson by-election candidate said Islam doesn’t forbid Muslims from visiting any religious place of worship.

“I did not attend to pray in the temple. I only attended an event on temple grounds. I will continue to do so,” Anwar told reporters in a press conference.

The former deputy prime minister added that Islam does not forbid anyone from interacting with a person of a different faith.

“It is important to realise that in Islamic tradition, it does not stop us from respecting other religions and attending (events),” the PKR president-elect said.  

Anwar said even PAS members attended events at temples during the Islamist party’s time with the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat.

“There were a lot of PAS members who used to follow me in Pakatan Rakyat. Now they say it is forbidden.” – October 2, 2018.

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Comments

  • When you wield religion as a weapon in politics, it becomes a double edged sword. It does not only hurt others, it hurts the one wielding it too.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Religion is to prepare Human Mind to serve HUMANITY . Religion n Politics are 2 different items . Religion is for your ownself. Politic is for the NATION.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Only idiots believe these flip flopping goons.

    Posted 5 years ago by Jebat Hebat · Reply

  • PAS IS A RELIGION PARTY AND NOT A POLITICAL PARTY. RELIGION TOTALLY CANNOT MIX WITH POLITIC.

    Posted 5 years ago by CHEE Meng Ng · Reply