Sensitive issues can be tackled positively
Nasrudin HassanPublished: Jan 16, 2011 10:30 AM | Updated: Jan 16, 2011 10:33 AM
Of late, there has been a surge of sensitive issues to test PAS as a popular Islamic movement. PAS is compelled to forward arguments based on the syariah. At the same time, we hope to retain support from a multiracial and multi-religious society. No doubt, PAS is faced with stiff attack from its enemies who prey on any mistake PAS may make.
I have noticed the difficulty with which PAS members have sought to understand some of these issues and accept some of the decisions taken by the party leadership, complicated as these decisions are by the unwarranted and baseless criticisms sometimes levelled against them by those who claim to be our sympathisers but whose actions have been anything but constructive.
Defending the religion against a backdrop of the need to retain political support from all parties is no easy task. A strong mind must be accompanied with wisdom as well as concrete arguments. The people PAS reaches are no longer limited to its members, as it now finds itself surrounded by all sorts of people and demands.
PAS is no longer on the defensive, but has to be pro-active. It is not only responsive but creative as well. It has taken the courageous step of listening to both critics and cynics from outside its fold. It is now second nature for PAS to acquire ‘second opinion’ before taking a stand on certain issues.
PAS's strength lies in its strong discipline, collective and consultative values and principles. Therefore, it must continue with the Islamic struggle without being detached from mainstream politics. It must not waver from defending Islam as much as it must exercise
tolerance in its interactions with the rest of society.
I, too, feel the heat every time PAS is expected to show restraint with its foes as well as its friends. This sometimes pose a challenge, but it has been an enriching experience for PAS as it evolves and matures as a movement. This experience will ensure PAS does not undermine its partners as much as it will not succumb to its foes.
When the 'Interlok' controversy came to surface, PAS Youth wasted no time in hosting a roundtable discussion to bring together the disputing parties.
Similarly, when Islamic laws became the target of criticisms, PAS Youth rose to the occasion by taking a diplomatic and academic approach to the matter and holding a series of sessions to shed light on the issue. Insha Allah, we plan the next session to be held on March 6, 2011 to further inform Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam.
On the issue of Muslims working in premises serving liquor, I agree with the suggestion by PAS’ Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad that the authorities need to first create job opportunities that are halal as to enable bringing these workers out of their current respective situations without the need for polemics.
Having said that, Muslims must also support the action by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and state exco Dr Hasan Ali towards fulfilling the Islamic obligation of reminding Muslims not to make a livelihood out of such businesses.
On the issue of the azan, it should be reiterated that the matter be tackled with wisdom. I am not surprised with the remarks by non-Muslims about the issue, their human right to live without disturbances appear affected. On the part of Muslims, however, have we ever approached such people to explain to them that the azan is a religious obligation that cannot be scrapped on a whim and fancy?
If Islam's position as the official religion of the federation can be explained to the acceptance of all quarters, especially those who understand the azan and its message, the azan should not even have become an issue, .
PAS has a huge task to fulfill towards awaken the Muslim community and educate non-Muslims as to their mutual responsibilities in a multi-racial country such as ours with Islam as the official religion of the federation.
I am confident that none would reject anything what is good and beneficial, including the call to success and other lessons made five times a day by muezzins in their azans.
The writer is the national PAS Youth chief.
I have noticed the difficulty with which PAS members have sought to understand some of these issues and accept some of the decisions taken by the party leadership, complicated as these decisions are by the unwarranted and baseless criticisms sometimes levelled against them by those who claim to be our sympathisers but whose actions have been anything but constructive.
Defending the religion against a backdrop of the need to retain political support from all parties is no easy task. A strong mind must be accompanied with wisdom as well as concrete arguments. The people PAS reaches are no longer limited to its members, as it now finds itself surrounded by all sorts of people and demands.
PAS is no longer on the defensive, but has to be pro-active. It is not only responsive but creative as well. It has taken the courageous step of listening to both critics and cynics from outside its fold. It is now second nature for PAS to acquire ‘second opinion’ before taking a stand on certain issues.
PAS's strength lies in its strong discipline, collective and consultative values and principles. Therefore, it must continue with the Islamic struggle without being detached from mainstream politics. It must not waver from defending Islam as much as it must exercise
tolerance in its interactions with the rest of society.
I, too, feel the heat every time PAS is expected to show restraint with its foes as well as its friends. This sometimes pose a challenge, but it has been an enriching experience for PAS as it evolves and matures as a movement. This experience will ensure PAS does not undermine its partners as much as it will not succumb to its foes.
When the 'Interlok' controversy came to surface, PAS Youth wasted no time in hosting a roundtable discussion to bring together the disputing parties.
Similarly, when Islamic laws became the target of criticisms, PAS Youth rose to the occasion by taking a diplomatic and academic approach to the matter and holding a series of sessions to shed light on the issue. Insha Allah, we plan the next session to be held on March 6, 2011 to further inform Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam.
On the issue of Muslims working in premises serving liquor, I agree with the suggestion by PAS’ Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad that the authorities need to first create job opportunities that are halal as to enable bringing these workers out of their current respective situations without the need for polemics.
Having said that, Muslims must also support the action by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and state exco Dr Hasan Ali towards fulfilling the Islamic obligation of reminding Muslims not to make a livelihood out of such businesses.
On the issue of the azan, it should be reiterated that the matter be tackled with wisdom. I am not surprised with the remarks by non-Muslims about the issue, their human right to live without disturbances appear affected. On the part of Muslims, however, have we ever approached such people to explain to them that the azan is a religious obligation that cannot be scrapped on a whim and fancy?
If Islam's position as the official religion of the federation can be explained to the acceptance of all quarters, especially those who understand the azan and its message, the azan should not even have become an issue, .
PAS has a huge task to fulfill towards awaken the Muslim community and educate non-Muslims as to their mutual responsibilities in a multi-racial country such as ours with Islam as the official religion of the federation.
I am confident that none would reject anything what is good and beneficial, including the call to success and other lessons made five times a day by muezzins in their azans.
The writer is the national PAS Youth chief.
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