But of course **** We must remember that Jakim is a secular body formed under a secular law. And as mentioned in my previous column, taxpayers are paying hundreds of millions to fund this secular body every year: RM762 million in 2013 alone. It is just a government agency that deserves criticism, just like any other. And this criticism can come from any citizen, Muslim or non-Muslim. Criticising Jakim must not be seen as meddling in the affairs of Islam. Instead, the only ones who are meddling in the public lives of Malaysians are the religious authorities. The sermons regularly foster a siege mentality among Muslims, that there is an “us versus them” situation in Malaysia, and the global Muslim world. They often use the phrase “the enemies of Muslims” to warn Muslims, suggesting that these enemies are behind everything that is wrong in the world and behind all ills inflicting the Muslims. For the longest time, these enemies could be anything. But in February last year, Jakim not only named the Jews, but also the Christians. The sermon claimed Christians and Jews are to be blamed for turning Muslims against each other, and tricking them into losing their rights. Of course Christians are not new targets. In 2013, sermons had targeted them following the “Allah” court case, accusing unnamed parties of insulting the Muslims by “mocking their exclusive rights.” Jakim’s sermons are frequently incendiary. If they are not pitting Muslims against other religions, they would even pit Muslims against Muslims. - Author - See more at: m.themalaymailonline/opinion/zurairi-ar/article/the-need-for-more-relevant-sermons#sthash.6IYY2exM.1TuRSrGj.dpuf
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 08:05:21 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015