Tourist Apologises For Reciting Quran Verses At Batu Caves

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The tourist who courted flak for reciting Quran verses at Batu Caves has apologised for the incident.
Abdellatif Ouisa posted a video on his TikTok page (@abdeentube) explaining that he thought Batu Caves was a historical site where anyone could create content and was unaware of its religious significance.
“What I thought was a historic point for everyone, and everyone, like every tourist, can recite, can make content there so I did this.
“I didn’t think it would hurt people, especially for the Hindu people, and I apologise if I hurt anyone.
“It was not my intention to hurt anyone, to destroy anything, or to make people feel bad about my recitation of the Quran, which is my content actually. I do it everywhere,” he said.
He said he did not know that the Lord Murugan statue he was reciting the Quran in front of was a Hindu god.
The verses he recited, which speak of Prophet Ibrahim destroying idols, state: "He said, 'Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?’”
The video has since been removed.
According to reports online, Abdellatif is a Moroccan Muslim dakwah influencer based in Germany.
He also runs Abdeen Institute, which has an academy through which he sells Islamic and Arabic courses and e-books.
Spread love, not hate
Meanwhile, Abdellatif said he was only attempting to spread love as a Muslim, but he received many hateful messages instead, he said.
“But I feel bad because of the people, they sent me messages and I’ve seen the messages and the comments...
“But I am spreading love. For me, like I am a Muslim, I spread love with the Quran,” he said.
According to the Dutch online publication Alien Mag, Abdellatif has been accused of allegedly committing sexual misconduct against recently converted and underage Muslim women.
Three of his victims reportedly created a Facebook group for victims to share their stories. The stories reportedly range from sending sexually explicit direct messages to groping during Quran lessons.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im MokhtarEarlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar condemned Abdellatif’s actions.
He deemed Abdellatif’s actions highly inappropriate and disrespectful, warning that such provocative actions could severely undermine the peaceful coexistence of different faiths in the country.
The minister stressed that Islam strictly prohibits insulting other religions, as it will only provoke retaliation and hostility.
In concurring with Na’im’s views, Bangi MP Syahdredzan Johan called for the tourist to be barred from Malaysia. - Mkini

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