Temple visit: Understand the meaning of Islamic da'wah

Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali

SHAH ALAM - Every Muslim is encouraged to understand the meaning of da'wah (preaching of Islam) and the responsibility of spreading Islam, regardless of their location.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s religious adviser Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said that the public should not criticise the statement made by Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Haron, but rather understand the essence of Islamic da'wah.

“When the Terengganu Mufti asserts that the presence of Muslims in non-Islamic places of worship is permissible if it is for the purpose of da'wah, it means that every Muslim's responsibility is to convey the message of Islam.

“This includes messages of peace, human interaction, and so on, whether through speech or personal conduct,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.

Previously, a video circulated on social media showing a Guided Harmony Visit programme for religious teachers from the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) to the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Kampung Kasipillay, Ipoh, Perak.

The video sparked concern among netizens when a JAIPk representative claimed there were many similarities between Hinduism and Islam.

In response, Sabri stressed that Muslims were allowed to enter the places of worship of other religions for the purpose of spreading da'wah and Islamic teachings.

However, he added that attending without any justification would be contrary to religious law.

Further commenting, Khairuddin added that this practice was carried out by the Prophet's companions, such as Umar al-Khattab (RA) when he entered a church in Baitul Maqdis during the 15th year of Hijra.

He emphasised that it conveyed a message of peace and protection for the Jews and Christians living under Islamic rule.

“Non-Islamic religious gatherings need not be sensitive to the meaning of Islamic da’wah, which is part of a Muslim's responsibility, as mentioned by the Terengganu Mufti.

“Islamic da’wah is a call towards universal peace, not just an invitation for non-Muslims to embrace Islam,” he said.