Pahang mufti clarifies his 'kafir harbi' call

Dr Abdul Rahman (seated right) having a meeting with NGOs in Pekan. - Bernama

PEKAN: Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman has reiterated that he never called on Muslims in the country to go to war with those who oppose Islam.  

He said all kafir harbi who oppose Islam have to be resisted but not necessarily by force.  

"It is true harbi means 'belonging to war.' But in Islam, there's also the term 'economic jihad' and 'knowledge jihad'.  

"Likewise, there are terms like war on drugs and war on poverty. When I say kafir harbi, it does not mean that it is now permissible to spill their blood. I have never stated that.  

"There are dhimmi (protected persons) who are loyal to us but among them are harbi. 

"We want to uphold Islam but they do not like it and continue to oppose. That means they are harbi but it does not mean that we have to answer by spilling their blood for they are still protected by law.  

"Resist them with arguments in a wise manner, not with guns or machetes. Fight with noble intentions," Dr Abdul Rahman said at a meeting with NGOs that turned up to support him here Monday.  

Dr Abdul Rahman had been criticised for likening DAP to kafir harbi for its staunch objection to the Private Member's Bill on Syariah Court amendments tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.  

He said police had recorded his statement and the case would now be passed to the Attorney-General.  

"I am confident they will understand that my statement is not seditious. Islam is the religion of the federation and that means whenever we talk about Islam, there is no reason for others to say it is sedition.  

"It is compulsory for us to talk about our religion but at the same time, we must not insult those of other faiths," said Dr Abdul Rahman.  

He also said if possible, his next statement would be to invite DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to convert to Islam for unity.  

"We are not forcing but I call on non-Muslims to convert to Islam to be safe in the afterlife and for unity in Malaysia. There will be no more chaos and we can focus on development," he said.

Among the NGOs at the meeting were Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, Pahang Pekida and Pahang Armed Forces Veterans Association.