Let S Have Faith In Our Fellow Malaysians

---

 
From Mustafa K Anuar
It is a relief to many that the Cabinet has described as unnecessary a controversial recent plan to introduce guidelines meant for Muslims who attend non-Muslim ceremonies, such as funerals.
Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar’s proposal, which he had revealed before it was even discussed in the Cabinet, had caused considerable disquiet among Malaysians of diverse backgrounds.
In announcing the Cabinet’s decision, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rightly pointed out that there wasn’t a need for such guidelines as Muslims were conscious of their boundaries under such circumstances.
If we may add, many non-Muslims also know the rules of engagement with their Muslim friends so that their interactions are cordial and respectful.
To be sure, the guidelines are aimed at ensuring the faith of Muslims, who attend ceremonies organised by non-Muslims, is well protected from possible “distractions”.
There’s the rub.
It is rather disturbing that these guidelines imply that the faith of the Muslim attendees is so fragile that they require protection crafted by the religious authorities. For some, this is downright insulting.
Put another way, this directive is tantamount to questioning the strength of the religious conviction of Muslims here.
Additionally, these guidelines may give an impression that the religious teachings that many Muslims receive in this country are only good enough for them to live in silos but not sufficient for harmonious interactions with non-Muslims.
At this juncture, one should be mindful that a particular religion is often judged by the behaviour or misbehaviour of its adherents.
Muslims should instead be encouraged to be confident of themselves and firm in their conviction especially under challenging circumstances, and not be easily misled by fearmongers who seek to gain from a siege mentality among the flock.
They must be equipped spiritually and intellectually to face the challenges that prevail in a multiethnic and multireligious Malaysia and a globalised world as well.
Affront to non-Muslims
The proposed guidelines are also contentious from another perspective. The conditions stipulated have the effect of infringing on the cultural and religious rights of non-Muslims.
Organisers of non-Muslim events are required to seek permission from religious authorities if Muslims are expected to attend.
The guidelines also state that, among other things, the premises concerned should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols in the presence of Muslims so as not to offend their sensitivities. Furthermore, the event should not be carried out during Muslim prayer times.
Surely, it is disrespectful to expect the non-Muslims to remove their religious paraphernalia such as the crucifix and idols as well as religious songs so that the Muslim attendees are not offended.
If roles were reversed, wouldn’t it be insensitive of the non-Muslim attendees if they requested that the Islamic verses on the wall of their Muslim friend’s house be removed so that their faith would not be challenged? This is, of course, to assume that their faith is brittle.
Events such as open houses during festivities and funerals should be taken as a golden opportunity for members of different ethno-religious backgrounds to know each other better and strengthen friendship.
These go a long way towards fostering mutual understanding and respect and celebrating diversity.
For those who have lingering doubts (“was-was” as they say in Malay) about attending such ceremonies held by non-Muslims, they have a simple option: stay at home. - FMT
Mustafa K Anuar is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

---