AFTER days of controversy over a poem, which allegedly criticised Hindus for deifying cows, Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has apologised to all non-Muslims, especially Hindus, for misinterpreting the poem’s real meaning.

The poem was removed by administrators of Asri’s Facebook page yesterday.

“I had a discussion with my fellow non-Muslim friends who responded to me kindly over the controversial poem. Many of them who had followed my way of teaching and explanation of Islam closely feel that the poem could be misunderstood and my intention could be misconstrued, especially when Hindraf comes in,” said Asri in a statement.

The lengthy statement and his apology was uploaded on his Facebook page, hours after he shared a link to an article about Muslim family assaulted by a group of cow vigilantes in India.

He told The Malaysian Insight his intention in uploading the article after removing the controversial poem from his page was to show what was happening in India.

“I wanted to prove what I said was right. That was what happened in India,” said Asri in text reply to the reporter.

He said he wanted to inform them that his poem was targeted at the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

He said the word “mempertuhankan” did not mean worshipping.

“In Malay, ‘mempertuhankan’ means excessive glorifying. It is like someone says lust is above everything else. That is what happening in India when there are those willing to abuse or kill another human because of a cow.”

Touching on the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), Asri said it is an extremist organisation trying to cause tension among Hindus and Muslims in the country through its provocative actions.

“The people should stay away from its provocative action.”

He also advised the non-Muslims against Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik not to be influenced by Hindraf.

“Instead, find evidence from his speech to show that it contains extremism, not based on allegation. If there is clear evidence, I am ready to fight against the matter,” he said in the statement.

Asri previously said Hindraf had twisted his poem and was also trying to meddle in Islamic affairs in Perlis after the state invited Zakir to give a Friday sermon at a mosque two months ago. 

On Zakir, Asri said there were parties, including Muslims, who did not agree with Zakir’s approach.

“I also have a different view and I told him about the situation in Malaysia. He has different view. That is his right. But that cannot be used to accuse him of being a terrorist and that he must be returned to India,” said Asri.

In the end of his statement, Asri said: “Especially to Hindus who misunderstood my poem, I would like to sincerely apologise to them. I never meant Hindus in general who were not involved in the issue.” – April 24, 2017.