A group led by the Malaysian Muslim Scholars Association (PUM) today slammed Western-orientated mass media and individuals for insulting Islamic institutions and misrepresenting Islam.
The group, which adopted a five-point resolution during a special conference on March 17, said it is now a trend in journalism to insult Islam and its teachings in the West and in secular Islamic countries.
It is our opinion that the differences of opinion among the ulama (Muslim scholar) have often been made as an excuse by the media and Western orientated writers to insult the fatwa institution, ulama and sacred Islamic texts, said the group in a press statement.
(The ulama s) expertise in religious instruction is questioned and denied when in actual fact, it is necessary for those who wish to debate and speak about the religions teachings, they added.
We are of the opinion that struggles based on Islamic principles are mandatory for all Muslims. It is something good and perfect, something for which one receives pahala or heavenly blessing and reward from Allah.
They also urged political organisations to refrain from using their debates as opportunity to smear Islamic teachings and the ulama institution simply for narrow and temporary party interests .
The Muslim groups called on the relevant authorities such as the Rulers Conference to defend the sacredness and integrity of Islam, and to use their mandated powers to stop the trend in the media.
The mainstream and private presses are asked instead to play a role in deflecting accusations and concoctions made by the Western media which depict Islam as ancient, violent, anti-civilisation, anti-development and anti-democracy.
Valid complaint
The group stressed that the memorandum submitted earlier to the Rulers Conference urging for action against individuals said to have insulted and abused Islam represents a valid complaint under the Constitution.
It does not deny human rights nor does it violate freedom of thought and speech. However, it is a legitimate action to control writings which belittle Islamic figures. It is also to defend Islam from interference of those who do not have the expertise in Islamic teachings.
On Jan 4, PUM with several Muslim groups urged the Rulers Conference to take action against several individuals for allegedly making offensive remarks on Islam and the ulama .
In addition to adopting the resolutions, the Muslim group also presented their stand on a range of issues.
Personal opinions
Among others, they said intellectuals should not equate the concept of freedom of religion as the same as their personal opinions of true and authorised Islamic principles.
The non-Muslim communities of the country are also asked to respect Islam and understand issues relating to Islam based on the religion and not based on their own beliefs.
The group said it was willing to work with all other Islamic non-governmental organisations to formulate and standardise ideas on the religion while increasing links with other Islamic organisations internationally.
(Muslim groups) must be prepared to face challenges from those who wish to distort the truth about Islam and carry out a campaign of war against Islamic values with the excuse of fighting international terrorism, the group said in the statement.
Among those who signed the resolution were the state ulama organisations, Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement or Abim, student councils, the Chinese Muslim Organisation, and the Malay Muslim Council.
Several individuals included in the list were the Perak mufti (state religious advisor), university lecturers, lawyers and a journalist.