In the discussion in my blog on the issue of Non-Muslims in Mosques: the Prophet’s Practice , someone who identifies him/herself as ’Truth Being Spoken Out’ puts a critical yet pertinent comment that warrants further deliberation. I’m taking liberty to externalise it so that it becomes a national dialogue in the hope of enhancing mutual understanding, respect and trust.
Her comment: ‘Truth Being Spoken Out’ (quoted verbatim)
The overwhelmingly important point is this: it is deceitful that we invite or allow others into our place of worship with the secret hope that they might convert into our religion.
This insincerity is sadly the case with certain political parties that seek to expand their religious agenda, often secara halus (subtly), like PAS.
Another dominant political party has done this in a more forcefully way in places like Sarawak. This is currently being documented.
This attitude we see in ‘Islam PAS’ and ‘Islam UMNO’ goes against genuine multi-culturalism.
All Malaysians must bravely question this crucial issue as they seek political change for a better Malaysia.
My response:
I fully understand and in fact concur with the point you raised. Ive reminded my party and party’s leaders that Islamic Advocacy in the realm of Politics should not be premised on an objective of conversion to Islam.
Rather, I’ve time and again stressed that as an Islamist party, PAS’ political advocacy should be premised on winning the hearts and minds of voters, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, that Islam stands to provide ‘Justice for All’ regardless of religion, race or culture.
It is this aspect of the Justice and Systems of Islam that we should advocate and seek the mandate of the people to get it implemented within the ambit of democratic process. As an Islamist Democrat, I for one, just like others in upholding their respective conviction and ideologies, surely believe in the superiority of my conviction ie Islam. Hence the reason why I intend to advocate it for all. But I could only do it thro’ the mandate of the people and not thro compulsion or any backdoor implementation of Islam.
That makes PAS democratic. You may or may not support us, but that is your democratic right. It’s not of our objective nor our business to proselytize and convert you. You remain as a believer in your faith but we need your support and mandate to realise and achieve our political struggle to reinstate Justice for All.
You are under no compulsion to support us and our party which is now in Pakatan Rakyat, but if you do, it must be bcz you believe in our offers and leadership and willing to allow us the chance to realsie our vision without having to change your faith or conviction. Incidentally Pakatan advocates our Common Policy Frameworks as our shared values and vision of a New Malaysia.
You now see the difference between Islam as a matter of Faith (Belief-System or Aqeedah) and Islam in the dimension of systems and principles of Governance. Faith is matter of Belief and only confines to the believers of the Faith. What PAS should be sharing with the entire nation in its political advocacy is that aspect of the Islamic Systems – in matters of Social Justice, Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking (Muamalat), Total Education etc ie the timeless principles of Good Governance as enjoined by Islam.
Because Islam as a way of life is not just a set of rituals of life-denial but rather a life-fulfillment, PAS believes that we have a lot to contribute to nation rebuilding and positioning ourselves as an active critical player at that too.
As an Islamist democrat, I understand the concern and anxiety of believers of other faiths once PAS encroaches on to the matter of Faith, with the intention of conversion. Muslims would similarly feel threaten and insecure should other politcal parties embark upon proselytizing their religions and beliefs. The feeling is perfectly mutual.
I hope I’ve shed some lights on this very precarious issue, given our complex demographic make-up of our society. It may be an intro to a very exhaustive subject but hopefully it suffices to allay the anxiety of fellow Malaysians that we are not in to deceive and delude others.
May I also remind us that Islam not only celebrates but also upholds Plurality and Diversity (not Pluralism though. That is for another discourse). That has gone beyond rhetorics as seen in the states we administer.
