Updated: Monday December 29, 2008 MYT 4:03:56 PM
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: The racial and religious harmony enjoyed by multi-ethnic Malaysia would end if irresponsible parties start criticising other religions, Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Harussani Zakaria said.
He said such action would spark religious tension as nobody can tolerate their religion being condemned.
“This kind of behaviour is rude and uncalled for. I liken it to someone who greets someone kindly but gets a slap or is shouted at in return. Sooner or later, the person will retaliate.
“For the sake of peace and harmony, one should refrain from condemning other people’s religions.
“Those who want to talk about or discuss religions apart from their own should exercise care when they speak to avoid insulting or saying the wrong things.
“We do not want this to result in tension among the races,” he said Monday when asked to comment on the existence of a blog that allegedly contains insults against the Prophet Muhammad.
Harussani said Islam does not teach its followers to look down on other religions and those who embrace them, adding that in fact, Muslims were constantly reminded to respect those of other faiths.
“We do not condemn Jesus because he too is a Prophet in Islam. Neither do we destroy temples and places of worship because our religion restrains us from doing so,” he said.
He said that religious and racial tolerance has been Malaysia’s strength and unique quality for the past 50 years, adding if the country wanted to continue to prosper, such traits must be maintained.
“The rest of the world has always looked at Malaysia as an example as far as this is concerned. We must continue to work to maintain the good qualities so that the country and its people can continue to prosper,” he added.
Source: thestar online
Posted by: Dr Awang Hasmadi Awang Mois
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