PETALING JAYA: Islamic authorities should be the ones to decide whether Muslims should postpone performing the haj to vote in an election, says Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) has urged Malaysian Muslims to remain calm and await an official announcement from muftis regarding this issue.
“I urge everyone to be calm and give space to the muftis and other authorities to provide their views and explanations based on Syariah principles and the current context,” Mohd Na’im wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.
“Let us prioritise knowledge and propriety in discussing religious issues and refer to proper channels to preserve the purity of Islam and communal harmony.”
While campaigning in the Ayer Kuning by-election over the weekend, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said Muslims should prioritise gaining political power over performing the umrah and haj.
In a speech for Perikatan Nasional, Abdul Hadi claimed that umrah and haj, important rituals for physically and financially able Muslims, could be postponed.
In comparison, “victory in politics cannot be delayed”, the Marang MP reportedly said at a ceramah on Sunday.
Perikatan, Barisan Nasional and Parti Sosialis Malaysia are locked in a three-way contest for the state by-election, which was called after the death of its incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin in February.
In his remarks on Monday, Mohd Na’im urged everyone not to issue arbitrary personal opinions on Islamic principles and laws without consulting official authorities such as the state muftis.
“Islamic law requires careful study, deep understanding and high scholastic discipline,” he said.
“It is of utmost importance that we preserve communal harmony and not cause confusion, especially when it involves important rituals in Islam and democratic processes.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) said it is currently reviewing Abdul Hadi’s remarks.
In a statement, Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said his department is working with the Federal Territory Mufti Department and relevant authorities to look into the matter.
“Jakim urges all parties to exercise caution when making statements regarding religious matters to avoid confusing the public,” Sirajuddin added.
