exclusive "Let's not use (differences over) the kongsi-raya issue as an excuse to jeopardise the peace and harmony of this country - this is not the determinant of communal ties."

Newly-appointed Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, at 35, the country's youngest, offers this advice, saying the focus should be on protecting such fundamentals as justice and liberties.

In an interview three weeks into his two-year secondment to the post, the Penang-born religious scholar said debate as to whether or not Islam allows Muslims to extend greetings to non-Muslims should be kept separate from external, including political, considerations.

"Let's not focus on these things. Even if you celebrate my religious occasion and I celebrate yours but in fundamental matters someone feels he has been treated unjustly, what is the use?" asked Asri.

"The determinants and elements of peace and harmony are the presence of justice and fairness, and that every community enjoys its rights to the extent that is appropriate.

"Just because I do not come to your Deepavali occasion, it does not mean I have oppressed you and just because you do not come to my religious occasion does not mean you have oppressed me."

He was referring to the edginess earlier this year resulting from reports that muftis were considering issuing a ban on government-sponsored functions combining the celebration of religious festivals of various ethnic groups.

Controversy was also sparked when the syariah head of Takaful Malaysia, an Islamic insurance company, issued a directive to company employees not to extend Deepavali greetings to Hindus. A clarification and apology were later issued.

On both occasions, the government stepped in to counter the views that were seen as obstructing social cohesion.

Drawing the line

Asri, however, said he believes that Islamic celebrations cannot be jointly conducted with those of other religions because the former are tied to Islamic values and beliefs.

"Our religious festivities are tied to our aqidah (beliefs). For instance, in celebrating Eid, 'God wants you to fulfill your days (of fast) and glorify God for His guidance unto you and so that you may give thanks," he said, citing the Quran.

Asri said he concurred with the views of Qatar mufti Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi who feels Islam does not prohibit Muslims from extending good wishes to followers of other religions on their holy festivals.

There is nothing wrong, so long as this does not involve praise of deities and their characteristics, he said.

External pressures should not be allowed to unduly influence or determine the manner or outcome of religious discussions on such matters. Only then can muftis and other religious scholars deliberate in a reasonable manner.

"We have to give our opinions independent of the authorities' wants. We have to be independent. I have to give my opinion independent of the government's position.

"It cannot be that the government gives its opinion on something and then I look for the proof to back that opinion. I won't do that. If it happens to be the same, that's something else. If they tell me to 'give an opinion or leave your position', then I would have to leave."

Asked to comment on speculation that he had attached certain conditions to his appointment, Asri said he had not placed any formal conditions.

There is an understanding, however, that he would act only in the capacity of mufti and not be expected to play second fiddle to persons in power.

"Generally speaking, the understanding is on what my role as a mufti should be - to give fatwa and to give views on and to discuss fatwa. I cannot be functioning as a shadow behind some pre-eminent figure, following his every step forward or retracing my steps so that he can take certain steps backwards.

"My personality (as mufti) cannot drown in the personality of someone else. If the mufti's identity drowns in the identity of the authorities, then what is the use of a mufti? No need, then, to seek people with knowledge. Look for any bloke who can say 'yes' to everything."

As Perlis mufti, Asri is also tasked to advise the sultan and state government on all matters of Islamic law.

In the first part of the interview yesterday, Asri had said the Quran provides space for everyone to challenge and question Muslim religious scholars, who are obliged to back their rulings.

Asri's views are bound to put the nation's youngest mufti at odds with many his more conservative mufti colleagues from the other states.

Q&A: Improve 'marketing' of Islam


Part 1
Mufti: Religious leaders can be challenged
Q&A: Loosen conservative grip on Islam