AN umbrella body representing non-Muslim religions has criticised Terengganu mufti Datuk Mohamad Sabri Haron over news reports that quoted him saying Muslims are allowed to enter non-Muslim houses of worship to propagate Islam.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) stated that Sabri’s claim could lead to feelings of ill-will, disharmony, hatred and enmity among followers of different religions.

“The Terengganu mufti’s claims that Muslims are permitted to enter places of worship of other religions to preach Islam may affect the sanctity of non-Muslim places of worship and create a hostile atmosphere, potentially leading to a disturbance of peace,” the council said.

“If the purpose of entering a place of worship is to foster unity and promote interfaith relations and understanding, then it should be welcomed,” the council continued. “But if the visit’s intent is to propagate one’s own faith at another faith’s place of worship, it becomes offensive, potentially affecting the sanctity of the place and causing disharmony.”

On August 4, news reports quoted Sabri as saying that Muslims are permitted to enter places of worship of other religions to spread Islamic teachings and principles.

His comments followed a viral video showing a guided harmony visit by the Perak Islamic Religious Department to a Hindu temple. The visit raised concerns after a representative reportedly noted similarities between Islam and Hinduism.

The council said that while the constitution restricts the propagation of other religions to those who profess to be Muslim, this does not grant Muslims free rein to propagate their faith to non-Muslims, especially in their respective houses of worship.

The council called upon the mufti to respect the rights of all individuals and adhere to the correct interpretation of the Federal Constitution and Malaysian laws.

“All places of worship are places of sanctity. Each religion has the right to regulate its own affairs. If the purpose of entering a place of worship is to foster unity and promote interfaith relations and understanding, then it should be welcomed,” the group stated.

The MCCBHST also mentioned that propagating Islam at a non-Muslim place of worship could violate Penal Code provisions related to wounding religious feelings, causing disharmony, and making statements likely to incite offences. – August 11, 2024.