DO unto others as you would have others do unto you, the adage goes.

Yet there are extreme elements living and operating in Malaysia who do not subscribe to this basic human law.

PAS has held a mindless, jingoistic event known as Himpunan Parti Islam Trengganu (HIMPIT2023). On display was a large, double-edged sword of metallic silver, adorned with Arabic script, apparently to intimidate its detractors. The party must cease and desist such practices as they invite a tit-for-tat in a multiethnic society that cannot afford its extreme fringes to do as it pleases. 

First and foremost, Islam is not only a religion of peace but one that encourages all believers to be humble. While this quality is personified by Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and Medina, there were two incidents worth recalling to underscore the essence of Islam.

When Prophet Muhammad emerged triumphant from his decade-long war against the tribe of Qurasyh, the rode into Mecca on a camel’s back. There was no display of any martial elements at all. All his friends, family members and followers from Medina entered the gate of Mecca with only the will to serve God.

If the above tale is not compelling enough, let us consider another. One day, an old woman who cleaned the mosque failed to appear for work. Upon enquiry, Prophet Muhammad was told that she had died the night before. To which he lamented: “She passed away yet no one told me? Show me where has she been buried!”

Upon arriving at her grave, the Messenger of God raised his hands in prayer for her. It was then that the companions of the Prophet realised the error of their ways. Those who go about their tasks quietly and thoughtfully, without seeking praise, are considered worthy of his attention and affection.

Islam is definitely against the forms of behaviour exhibited by the mat rempit in HIMPIT2023

As things stand, the dark forces have surfaced in Malaysia. If the vile and venomous displays of HIMPIT2023 are anything to go by, the politicisation of race has begun in earnest. 

Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar was right to remind Muslims that while Islam does not forbid any form of festivities held with good intentions, the Quran abjures those that have the appearance of immodesty.

Those who are against the grotesque and distasteful nature of HIMPIT2023 should demand an apology from the organisers. Should they fail to comply, the Sedition Act can and should be used against the instigators of religious disquiet that threatens racial harmony. – February 21, 2023.

* Dr Rais Hussin is Emir Research CEO.