When Words Divide The Politics Of Kafir In Malaysia


 
THE recent debacle involving PAS leaders, who wooed the electorate by pledging not to call non-Muslims “kafir” or “pendatang” (immigrants), raised eyebrows about the sincerity of their inclusivity over exclusivity.
While Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim argued that the term “kafir” should not be seen as negative if used in its proper theological setting, he was technically correct. In classical Arabic, the word derives from “kafara”—“to cover” or “to reject”. Within Islamic jurisprudence, it functions as a doctrinal label, not an insult.
But in modern Malaysia, the problem is not what the word once meant in scripture. It is what the word means in practice today.

In a plural, multireligious society, “kafir” is rarely received as neutral. It carries centuries of baggage, and to the ears of many non-Muslims, it sounds demeaning, an affront to their dignity.
This is not the first time Malaysians have wrestled with the issue. In 2006, then-prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged Muslims to use more respectful alternatives, emphasising that nation-building required sensitivity.
In 2016, when Kelantan officials used the term in speeches, interfaith groups condemned its divisive undertones.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), reacting to the Pahang Mufti’s controversial description of critics of hudud law as “kafir harbi”, warned that the term is a “dangerous provocation” that can destabilise a nation that has lived in harmony.
The group further viewed the classification as seditious, “inciting people to commit murder and clearly unconstitutional”.
More recently, even Islamic scholars at local universities have proposed “orang bukan Islam” (non-Muslim) as a better term—one that conveys meaning without insult.
Human rights advocates have echoed the same concern. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), in a May 2025 statement, stressed that Malaysia’s multi-cultural and multi-religious heritage is not a weakness but a strength; one that must be nurtured with understanding, mutual respect and a shared commitment to equality.

SUHAKAM had also called for the adoption of a National Harmony Act “to foster mutual respect, promote inclusivity and protect all communities from hate speech, incitement and discrimination”.
This is why Awang’s defence, though linguistically accurate, misses the deeper reality.
In politics, context is everything. A word that may be acceptable in a book of “fiqh” (Islamic jurisprudence) becomes provocative in Parliament.
What matters is not only intention, but impact. In Malaysia’s fragile pluralism, the impact of “kafir” is alienation, resentment, and distrust.
The uncomfortable truth is that religion and race remain convenient tools for political mileage. Words like “kafir” are not always invoked out of theological necessity but for their emotional charge.

They draw lines between “us” and “them”, mobilising support at the cost of national unity. This is politics at its most cynical, turning sacred terminology into blunt instruments of division.
True religious conviction should not rest on such tactics. The Qur’an calls on believers to speak with wisdom and gentleness even to those who disagree. The Prophet Muhammad’s reputation as “al-Amin”—the trustworthy—was built on fairness and compassion, not exclusion.
If leaders claim to defend Islamic values, they should do so not by clinging to divisive words but by embodying the Prophet’s example in both substance and tone to gain the respect of the non-Muslim population—not just to woo votes.
The question Malaysia must confront is simple: will we continue tolerating the politicisation of words that wound, or will we demand a higher standard from those who lead us?

MCCBCHST has warned, SUHAKAM has cautioned, and history has shown that inflammatory language can corrode and destroy social cohesion faster than any policy failure.
In the end, this is not about banning a word. It is about recognising the moral responsibility of leadership. A true statesman chooses words that heal, not harm.
A politician seeking only votes may find short-term gain in division, but at the expense of the nation’s long-term peace and security.
“Kafir” may belong in theology. But in the streets, in Parliament, and in the everyday life of Malaysia, what belongs is respect, empathy, and language that binds us together. Anything less is not leadership—it is recklessness and blatant hypocrisy.
KT Maran
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2025/09/when-words-divide-politics-of-kafir-in.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
The Ultimate Elevator Pitch Catat Sejarah Usahawan Malaysia

The Ultimate Elevator Pitch Catat Sejarah Usahawan Malaysia

papar berkaitan - pada 19/9/2025 - jumlah : 1389 hits
The Ultimate Elevator Pitch Catat Sejarah Usahawan Malaysia Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad telah mencatat sejarah apabila pengiktirafan Malaysia Book of Records sebagai Malaysia s First Feature Length SME Business Pitch Film dengan pelancara...
135 Boats Show The Flag In Malaysia Day River Parade

135 Boats Show The Flag In Malaysia Day River Parade

papar berkaitan - pada 15/9/2025 - jumlah : 2796 hits
The parade of decorated boats took place in the waters of Sungai Kerang Kelubong and Bagan Panchor in Perak Decorated boats taking part in a parade which has now become an annual staple in Bukit Gantang s tourism calendar BUKIT GANTANG More...
Visit Malaysia 2026 To Make Malaysia A Destination The World Remembers Says Tourism Minister

Visit Malaysia 2026 To Make Malaysia A Destination The World Remembers Says Tourism Minister

papar berkaitan - pada 28/9/2025 - jumlah : 1716 hits
Tourism Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the campaign aimed to create pride and prosperity for the people while leaving behind a legacy of unity resilience and vision for future generations Bernama picMELAKA Sept 28...
Malaysia Drop Water Face In The Eyes Of Vietnamese Indonesian And Ouch Singaporean Football Fans

Malaysia Drop Water Face In The Eyes Of Vietnamese Indonesian And Ouch Singaporean Football Fans

papar berkaitan - pada 28/9/2025 - jumlah : 427 hits
AS Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh admitted being saddened and angry over the recent International Federation of Association Football decision rival Southeast Asian soccer fans have joined displeased Harimau Malaya fans to poke fun at...
Upkk Apa Ibu Bapa Patut Tahu Dan Tip Persediaananak Dalam Menghadapi Upkk

Polis Siasat Kematian Murid Tahun 4 Di Sekolah

Semakan Mykasih Tarikh Bayaran Baki Senarai Kedai Barang

Dapatkan Tiket Konsert Legacy 30 Siti Nurhaliza Di Sini Dengan Serendah Rm69

Lirik Lagu Lea Zafira Azalea

Edisi Terhad Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Kini Tersedia Pada Harga Rm2 229

As Mca Mulls Bn Exit Pas Comes Knocking With Mooncakes

Budi95 Subsidi Petrol Ron95 Baharu Untuk Rakyat Malaysia


echo '';
Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Dendam Seorang Madu Slot Tiara Astro Prima

10 Fakta Biodata Amira Othman Yang Digosip Dengan Fattah Amin Penyanyi Lagu Bila Nak Kahwin

5 Tips Macam Mana Nak Ajak Orang Kita Suka Dating Dengan Kita

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Keluarga Itu Slot Lestary TV3

Bolehkah Manusia Transgender Mencapai Klimaks Selepas Bertukar


Lirik Lagu Alpha P Ramlee Saloma

Kenapa Kotak Packaging Kosmetik Custom Penting Untuk Naikkan Keyakinan Pelanggan

Slot1111 10 November Slot1111 Top 61 By Roslyn

K1gt 12 K1gt Top 52 By Selena

Menang Ga

Zra Kongsi Tawaran Diberikan Tentera Isra L Ketika Pintas Kapal Mengaku Salah Atau Dibicarakan Amp Dilokap