It is a relief to many that the cabinet has described as unnecessary a controversial recent plan to introduce guidelines meant for Muslims who attend non-Muslim ceremonies, such as funerals.
Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar’s proposal, which he had revealed before it was even discussed in the cabinet, had caused considerable disquiet among people of diverse backgrounds.
In announcing the cabinet’s decision, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rightly pointed out that there was no need for such guidelines, as Muslims were conscious of their boundaries under such circumstances.
If we may add, many non-Muslims also know the rules of engagement with their Muslim friends, so their interactions are cordial and respectful.
To be sure, the guidelines are aimed at ensuring the faith of Muslims who attend ceremonies organised by non-Muslims is well protected from possible “distractions”.
Therein lies the rub.
It is rather disturbing that these guidelines imply that the faith of the Muslim attendees is so fragile that they require protection crafted by the religious authorities. For some, this is downright insulting.
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Put differently, this directive is tantamount to questioning the strength of the religious conviction of Muslims here.
These guidelines may also give the impression that the religious teachings many Muslims receive in this country are only good enough for them to live in silos but not sufficient for harmonious interactions with non-Muslims.
Let’s be mindful that a particular religion is often judged by the behaviour or misbehaviour of its adherents.
Muslims should instead be encouraged to be confident of themselves and firm in their convictions, especially under challenging circumstances, and not be easily misled by fearmongers who seek to gain from a siege mentality among the flock. They must be equipped spiritually and intellectually to face the challenges in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia and in a globalised world.
Affront to non-Muslims
The proposed guidelines are also contentious from another perspective. The conditions stipulated had the effect of infringing on the cultural and religious rights of non-Muslims.
Organisers of non-Muslim events were required to seek permission from religious authorities if Muslims were expected to attend.
The guidelines also stated that the premises concerned should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols in the presence of Muslims to avoid offending their sensitivities. Furthermore, the event should not be carried out during Muslim prayer times.
Surely, it was disrespectful to expect the non-Muslims to remove their religious paraphernalia – such as the crucifix and idols, as well as religious songs – so that the Muslim attendees would not be offended.
If the roles were reversed, would it not be insensitive of non-Muslim attendees if they requested that the Islamic verses on the wall of their Muslim friend’s house be removed so that their faith would not be challenged? This is, of course, assuming their faith was brittle.
Events such as open houses during festivities and funerals should be seen as a golden opportunity for members of different ethno-religious backgrounds to know each other better and strengthen friendship. These go a long way towards fostering mutual understanding and respect and celebrating diversity.
For those who have lingering doubts (was-was, as they say in Malay) about attending such ceremonies held by non-Muslims, they have a simple option: stay at home. – Free Malaysia Today
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