RELIGIOUS authorities are being urged to take stern action against PAS President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, following his controversial remarks urging voters to delay performing Hajj and Umrah in favour of securing political victory in elections.
The call for action came from AMANAH Deputy President, Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who expressed concern over the implications of such statements on Islamic jurisprudence and the unity of the Muslim community.
“This is where we need to prove our strength and unity within this coalition so that we can safeguard Malaysia, including across the state of Perak,” he said, highlighting the importance of preserving national harmony and religious integrity.
Mujahid criticised Abdul Hadi’s comments, which he believes were aimed at voters in the Ayer Kuning state seat by-election.
He stressed that elections are not battles between Islam and anti-Islam, but democratic processes to select the most capable party to serve the public.
“Abdul Hadi describes a PAS candidate’s victory as a victory for Islam, whereas this democratic contest is about choosing which party can best serve the people, not a battle between Islam and anti-Islam,” he said.
According to Mujahid, his statement leans towards takfiri tendencies, implying only his party represents Islam while others do not. In reality, both candidates are Muslims representing their respective parties.
“This statement drags political issues into the realm of aqidah, even though the two clearly stem from distinct jurisprudential premises,” he added.
During a campaign event for PN’s candidate in Tanjung Keramat, Perak, Abdul Hadi was reported as saying that Muslims should prioritise victory in the political landscape of the country even if it requires postponing their pilgrimage.
In response, Mujahid underlined the complexity and spiritual significance of the Hajj, noting that gaining permission to perform it is not easy and often involves years of waiting due to quotas and increasingly strict regulations.
“Imagine Abdul Hadi placing the democratic voting process above the Hajj, a specific act of worship that is now increasingly difficult to gain approval for, due to stringent quotas and various conditions,” he pointed out.
“Fanatical followers will unquestionably support the PAS President’s remarks, ultimately endangering the unity of the ummah, driven more by fanaticism than by knowledge and understanding of Siyasah Syar’iyyah,” he warned. —Apr 21, 2025
Main image: New Straits Times
