Monday, June 23, 2008

Perlis Mufti: ‘Stop Islamic state rhetoric’

"Politicians should refrain from openly proposing the Islamic state concept because it can lead to confusion," Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said.

Dr Asri said the concept was fast becoming rhetoric. He said what should be more important to Muslims was the substance, not just words or catchphrases.

Dr Mohd Asri said the concept of an Islamic state was often just associated with hudud (syariah criminal laws) when it should encompass more, including an Islamic lifestyle.

Besides that, he said the misuse of the term “Islamic state” could cause confusion, even among Muslims.

“What, we must attempt is bring meaning to the concept we proposed.

“If it is an Islamic state, the content must be there, not just in the form of hudud law but fair administration, justice for all, eradication of poverty and corruption and human rights, which are the very essence of Islamic civilisation,” Dr Asri said.

He said Islam allowed for differing viewpoints and urged the Pakatan Rakyat alliance not to be embroiled in escapism.

“They must look forward and prove they can meet the people’s aspirations. They should stop looking at the past.

“It is much easier being in the opposition than the government. Pakatan must realise this and stop the blame game. They must evolve into playing a role as the government,” he added.

Dr Asri said this during a dialogue on Pakatan Rakyat’s 100 days of administration in Balai Islam here on Saturday night.

The other two panellists were PKR strategic planning director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and International Islamic University law academician Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.

Source: TheStar: ‘Stop Islamic state rhetoric’

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonder how the muslim migrants from Asia and Africa would react if the European countries in which they are staying suddenly declare themselves to be "Christian States" and promugate the theory of "Ketuanan Kristian"....

Anonymous said...

very refreshing voice of reason, esp "It is much easier being in the opposition than the government. Pakatan must realise this and stop the blame game." the PR will now come to realise that alot of the promises made during the GE was exactly that - election manifesto, but now they must face up to them, even the over-zealous ones. implement or explain(and explain good!) the blame game and hatred inciting benefits nobody, criticisms must be be done and channelled constructively.

Letting the time pass me by said...

This Mufti always give a refreshing perspectives...

Anonymous said...

Mr Mufti,
Educated and well learned muslims do not want to the PM only know how to criticise. It's a sin.

BODO

Anonymous said...

Benda ko ni anonymous, emosi lebih sangat. Mentang-mentang tulis kat internet, komen nak emosi lebih.

Aku tak faham ayat ko, mungkin aku la kut tak reti membaca, tapi memang tak boleh nak faham lah ayat ko.

"do not want to the PM" ???

the Constantly Dramatic One said...

God....again with the whole Islamic thing.

Religious acceptance people. Say it with me.

Maverick SM said...

BJ,

You are right.

Letting the time pass me by,

I agree and I have high respect for his viewpoint.

Reader,

Thanks; I too don't understand the comment.

Unknown said...

Maverick

Am thinking, possibly this Perlis Mufti Dr Asri wants a Gomen sponsored Mercedes Benz S-Class S350 to chauffeur him to Office as he got tired with Black 25 years old design Perdana...

Money is still fortune, and Mufti is no way closure to Master OogWay, No???

Maverick SM said...

Pui-key-Mack,

Dr Asri is my good friend. He is an honest guy and have all the virtues of a good Muslim; trust me and trust him to be a good man.

Gukita said...

Mave,
Perlis Mufti is always refreshingly fundamental in thinking; goes to the real point and not ornamentations. Maybe because Perlis is not from the Shafei or any Mazhab... if I am not wrong. So he delved direct to the SOURCE rather than depends on countless interpretations; all designed to make one seemed learned but actually like a camel carrying tons of old books... historical baggage!!

Maverick SM said...

Gukita,

I agree with you. How I wish more of the Muftis have such of his virtues.