IT is with profound concern that I note the recent announcement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, introducing new guidelines on Muslims’ participation in non-Muslim festivities, funerals, and events at non-Muslim houses of worship.
I speak as someone who has immersed myself in Islamic history and values since my days studying at the University of Malaya (1974-1977) and through my subsequent work writing and correcting historical content about Islamic history for our school textbooks.
My engagement with the Holy Quran – especially its verses on personal accountability, intellect, and responsibility – has shaped my strong belief that Islamic teachings are most powerfully upheld through thoughtful conviction rather than stringent external restrictions.
First, I humbly urge the Madani government to recognise that it is the duty of all Malaysians, regardless of creed, to foster harmony, multiculturalism, and diversity in our beloved nation. By imposing detailed restrictions – such as requiring official permission, limiting permissible activities, and even avoiding certain religious symbols – these guidelines risk fracturing the natural bonds of friendship and respect that unite Malaysians. They could deter interfaith interactions at celebrations or funerals, at precisely the moments when compassion, solidarity, and unity are most needed.
Second, the Holy Quran repeatedly underscores personal responsibility, the importance of reason, and self-directed moral conduct. The verse, “There is no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256), affirms that each believer must stand firm in their faith of their own accord. Additionally, “Every soul is held in pledge for its deeds” (Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:38) and “No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another” (Surah Fatir 35:18) emphasise that every individual is accountable for their own actions. Such teachings reinforce the notion that while the state can guide, true devotion and moral behaviour ultimately spring from a believer’s conscience and understanding, not from blanket prohibitions.
Third, these guidelines also pose practical challenges. Restricting venues based on proximity to a surau, mosque, or Muslim cemetery is often impractical, especially in diverse and closely knit communities. Requiring the removal or concealment of religious symbols in non-Muslim houses of worship – notably crosses, idols, or other sacred emblems – could be perceived as dismissive of the sanctity of these spaces. Such demands may deeply offend our non-Muslim friends and undermine the spirit of mutual respect enshrined in our nation’s foundational principles.
Fourth, by encroaching upon how non-Muslims practice their faith on their own premises, these guidelines risk straining constitutional provisions. While Article 11(4) of our Federal Constitution empowers states to regulate the propagation of other religions among Muslims, it must be balanced with the right of every religious community to celebrate and observe its own customs, free from undue interference. Imposing rigid rules on non-Muslims – especially within their sacred spaces – may inadvertently erode the very fabric of religious liberty we strive to protect.
Fifth, Islamic teachings emphasise coexistence and social harmony. Numerous incidents in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) illustrate respectful interaction with non-Muslims, reflecting an enduring principle of kindness and understanding. The Quran states, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best” (Surah An-Nahl 16:125). This verse highlights that genuine outreach and respectful engagement often achieve what prohibitions cannot.
Perhaps the Madani government could learn from the successful models of religious harmony in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesia, where diverse communities coexist peacefully with a high level of mutual respect.
In Sabah and Sarawak, it is common for Muslims to attend Christmas, Gawai, and Chinese New Year celebrations, and for non-Muslims to attend Hari Raya festivities. The indigenous Kadazan-Dusun and Iban communities celebrate their traditional festivals with people of all faiths, fostering an inclusive culture of respect. Interfaith marriages are not uncommon, and family members of different religious backgrounds often celebrate each other’s traditions without restriction.
Similarly, in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists openly celebrate their festivals without undue state interference, while Muslims continue to engage with them socially and culturally.
The Indonesian approach to Pancasila, a national philosophy promoting unity in diversity, demonstrates that strong Islamic identity and religious harmony can coexist. Malaysia, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, could take valuable lessons from these examples in promoting national unity through genuine interfaith understanding rather than excessive regulation.
On a personal note, I wish to share a recent example that underscores the spirit of dialogue and empathy. The Al-Ghufran mosque near my home significantly increased the volume of the call to prayer about a month ago. I approached Tuan Haji Azmi bin Haji Othman, the mosque’s Head of the Economic Bureau, and politely requested that the volume be lowered. He responded positively with compassion and understanding.
This kind of direct communication, rooted in mutual respect, reflects the very best of what it means to live harmoniously in a diverse society.
In conclusion, while we acknowledge the role of public authorities in guiding and nurturing Islamic values, these proposed guidelines, if enforced too rigidly, could hamper the trust and goodwill that bind our multireligious society.
A more balanced approach – one that focuses on mutual respect, genuine dialogue, and personal responsibility and accountability – would better reflect our constitutional freedoms and the compassionate core of Islamic values.
I fervently pray that our nation’s leaders and communities will embrace a path that nurtures both faith and fellowship, safeguarding our cherished unity for generations to come. Let us draw inspiration from the wisdom and leadership of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, who envisioned a Malaysia where harmony thrived, differences were embraced, and people of all faiths stood together as one.
Under his leadership, Malaysians celebrated each other’s festivals with open hearts and lived side by side in peace, bound not by uniformity, but by mutual respect and shared destiny. May we uphold this noble legacy and reaffirm our commitment to a nation built on understanding, compassion, and unity. – February 7, 2025
Ranjit Singh Malhi is a historian