My poem has been spun, says Asri

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 23 Apr 2017 11:42AM · 3 Comments

PERLIS mufti Asri Zainal Abidin has slammed the non-Muslims who have interfered in Islamic affairs, saying his “cow” poem has been spun. 

In his latest Facebook post, Asri said he had always been fair in his opinions of all religions and in fact, to avoid conflict, he was against calling non-Muslims “kafir-harbi”.

He said the group of non-Muslims did not appreciate the Perlis Mufti Department’s efforts to treat everyone fairly, citing as examples the issues of unilateral child conversion and zakat (tithe) for non-Muslims in the state.

Last year, Asri said the amendment to the state’s child conversion law was against the state fatwa, which said the child of a convert might receive Islamic teachings without having to convert to Islam. In March, he announced that needy non-Muslims in Perlis could also receive Zakat payment.

“All the things that we have done are never appreciated by them. Instead Hindraf dares to interfere in mosque sermons matters organised by the mufti department. 

“My poem that is related to India’s Modi government was after that  spun to refer instead to Malaysian Hindus. What is it that they really want?”

Asri said Hindraf’s comments about Islam on the internet had offended  the sensitivities of Muslims and that Hindraf had been using the Indian government’s name in speaking about Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik  “as if they are representing the Indian government”. 

On Friday, Asri published a poem, which seemingly criticises Hindus for deifying cows. He however defended his poem, saying it was a criticism of Narendra Modi’s government in India. His poem has been slammed by the Hindu community and many social media users. 

“We know that a lot of Muslims and Christians have been killed under the leadership of the religious fanatic, Modi,” he said. 

Online news portal The Malay Mail Online today reported that Asri would meet the Indian community, to explain his controversial poem. 

“I will meet with the Indian community and explain the situation. Possibly this week,” he was quoted as saying. – April 23, 2017.

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Comments

  • Sad. Very sad to see Mufti Asri behaving like a politician. We may place the country political environment as a basis which will degrade any one with good virtues and traits to do a 180 degrees so as to stay on top and be relevant to the prevailing influences but it should be readily accpeted by many as a gate way or free for all to readily dive into that directions to engulf themselves on the populist and wealth galore. When a scholars or intellectual such as Mufti Asri ( I like to think so ) gets into the muddle on the concern of the foreign preacher who actually do not have any contribution to the nation developement be it in the socio economics and politics let alone the administration of religious activities, it makes a mockery of the country religious institutions that has been set up to ensure proper guidance for the local seems inept . When a tainted personality ,seriously on a wanted list in his home country and soon to be in interpol list are in the driver seat and feverishly accorded with high esteems leaves a lot to be desire on the maturity of thoughts and intellect of the country Muftis and religious scholars. A foreign preacher of barely any significant academic excellence are let into a country to sway influence and instigate a potential racial flare up through his skewed ideology is a matter for every citizen concern on the country security rather than any reasons of religious opposition. Lets hope that sanity prevails back to Mufti Asri and not to partake in racial jibes be it intended for local or other country are not relish by anyone who love Malaysia more.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

    • shud read as " but it should not be readily accepted by many as gateway..."

      Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Why is this man now backtracking and trying to advertise his good deeds towards the non Muslims now.the damage has been done and he should unashamedly apologise for his insulting behaviour towards the hindus and the PM of India.He highlights the negative aspects of hindu culture.Does he , if he is an academic worth his salt know that in India the Muslim population has gone from 8% in 1947 to over 16% at the latest count?
    Does he even know that in India the Muslims, being in the minority, are given privileges in all aspects over the majority Hindus regardless of caste.They are given preference in entry into government universities( the ingrate Zakir Naik studied medicine on a scholarship) and civil service jobs besides other aspects of economic life.The list of privileges the muslims of India enjoy is very extensive.Can we say that for the non muslims in this country? From what I understand over 300,000 Indians in Malays are still stateless. What has this man have to say about that.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tony suppiah · Reply