WE refer to the protest by some 50 residents in Taman Medan over the display of a cross on a newly minted church.
This mindless act of hatred and incitement against another religion’s place of worship has no place in Islam and deserves unreserved condemnation.
Islam is rich with examples of respect for other faiths, their adherents and protection of their places of worship.
Let us take heed from the best of examples of Prophet Muhammad. In a well-documented incident, the Prophet received a delegation of 60 Christians from Yemen at his mosque in Medina.
They were led by a bishop, Abu Haritha ibn Al Qamah, a respected authority on Christianity.
When the time for their prayer came, they faced the direction of east and prayed.
Some Muslims, out of ignorance, protested, but the Prophet ordered that they be left in their state and not harmed.
Yet another famed example is that of Umar ibn Al-Khattabb, the second righteous caliph.
During his reign, the religious freedom of the citizens of Ilya (Jerusalem) and the sanctity of their synagogues and places of worship were confirmed: “This is the protection which the slave-servant of Allah, Umar, the Commander of the Believers, extends to the people of Ilya: The safeguarding of their lives, properties, churches, crosses, and of their entire community. Their churches cannot be occupied, demolished or damaged, nor are their crosses or anything belonging to them to be touched. They will never be forced to abandon their religion, nor will they be oppressed.”
There is no room in Islam for intolerance towards other faiths and their places of worship, and any form of disrespect and desecration is antithetical to the essence of Islam.
We urge the authorities to take firm action against the protesters. Malaysia is a beautifully plural and diverse nation, and we call on all to enforce our respect for one another and their beliefs.
We end with the following all embracing verse: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and We made you nations and tribes that you may know one another” (Al Hujurat 49:13). Let us put an end to all enmity and hatred, and get to know one another.
Board of directors, Muslim Professionals Forum