IT is marketed as an “Islamic concept” housing development but Raudhah City in Cyberjaya is open to non-Muslims who can even keep pet dogs, said the developer of the township promising a “modern Islamic life”.

Some non-Muslims have already bought units there, said Mohd Fadzil Hisham, CEO of developer Raudhah City Sdn Bhd. 

The development has captured attention with its advertisements depicting Malay men in songkok and tudung-clad women along with taglines, such as “Jom, Let’s be Neighbours” and “Neighbours until Jannah (Paradise)”.

The project was launched in April by Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Raudhah City is also selling itself as “the first modern Islamic city in Malaysia” but encompasses more than just going for prayers at the mosque, said Fadzil.

He dismissed views that the housing development is aimed at segregating Muslims from other races, saying there are no restrictions on the sale of homes to non-Muslims.

“Non-Muslims are encouraged to buy homes here to learn the true image of Islam,” Fadzil told The Malaysian Insight.

“A modern Islamic life is not just about praying and wearing jubah (long robes). People think that Raudhah City wants to be Arabic in flavour, with hudud (limitations) on things. This is a narrow understanding of Islam.

“A modern Islamic life is about loving and caring about each other, and living in peace and mutual respect. An Islamic city encompasses how we live with our neighbours, whether our neighbours are Muslim or not.”

The township, named after the Arabic word for “garden”, covers 40.5ha, with units priced between RM1.1 million and RM2 million. 

Of the 300 residential landed units, 50% have been sold, according to Fadzil. The homes are scheduled for completion by year-end, and buyers can expect to receive their keys in April 2020.

“About 10 units have been bought by non-Muslims,” he said.

The RM12.3 billion project is being built in phases in collaboration with the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) on its land.

Fadzil said while non-Muslims should not be deterred by the township’s Islamic image, they should still do their best to avoid things that might trigger Muslim sensitivities.

“They can keep dogs but when you need to take for a walk in the park, don’t take them out during peak hours when people are out and about… walk them when there are fewer people… that’s no problem.”

There are also no restrictions on non-Muslims carrying out religious activities within the compound of their own homes, he said.

However, non-Muslim groups wanting to build temples or churches would still have to follow by-laws under the local council. Like anywhere else, building other houses of worship would be subject to the number of non-Muslims in the area and approval from the local authorities, he said.

“The true definition of an Islamic lifestyle should include welcoming non-Muslims to live in Raudhah City, where they will not be required to do things, like wear a veil.”

Fadzil added that should any dispute arise between Muslim and non-Muslim neighbours, he hoped these would be solved through discussions.

These are the values Raudhah City wants to promote as they are absent from typical commercial residential projects, he said.

“Developments don’t promote good neighbourliness or the spiritual life. They just focus on the physical construction.”

A visitor to Raudhah City’s showroom, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudian, 37, said the project’s concept should not be an issue in a multiracial society.

“There are many other places where non-Muslims live. This kind of concept for Muslims should not be a problem.”

Community planning consultant Mohamad Shafiq Zainudin, 29, said the developer’s intention to create a safe and happy environment is good.

“If we have to live in a neighbourhood that has problems, then it’s no fun being at home.”

Raudhah City comprises various phases of construction, starting with an international school and 300 residential units.

Subsequent phases will include 1,500 apartments, priced between RM300,000 and RM400,000, a shopping and medical centre, followed by twin commercial blocks.

“Some of my staff and I will move to Raudhah City when construction is completed,” Fadzil said. – August 16, 2019.