In the course of my research, i had the privilege of interviewing many religious scholars (ulama) in the region. The one that left the most lasting impression on me was the Mufti of the Federal Territories, Malaysia, Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri.
As i entered his office, he was just folding his prayer mat as he had just completed his supererogatory prayers (the Duha prayer, it is called).
He welcomed me and really honoured me as a guest. He sidestepped questions on other scholars, even as i pressed him on it, and kept saying ‘I can’t comment on others. I just busy myself with my own affairs.’ His humility was apparent throughout. At the end, when i told him that my in-laws were huge fans of his, he looked down, almost embarrassed, reluctant to acknowledge the praise, and merely said ‘All thanks to God’. Before i left, he made a prayer for my success. (His demeanour, personality, humility and character reminds me of our own Mufti, Dr Fatris Bakaram.)
For me, one does not have to agree with everything any Mufti says, and one can even question particular fatwas. But the manner in which Dr Zul has been slammed for his so-called ‘ridiculous’, ‘regressive’, ‘back to the stone age’ edict, was simply uncalled for. Mostly, by people who did not even read the fatwa, and who just read the ever-so-reliable newspaper headlines!
Speaking of which, i notice that our newspapers always jump on opportunities to portray the ulama in neighbouring countries as problematic. We as readers, must always be more discerning. Believing sensationalist headlines hook, line and sinker reflects our intellectual capacity, or lack thereof, more than anything else.
It is fascinating that one who considers himself/herself ‘progressive’ has no qualms attacking the dignity of others, over a disagreement. How enlightened, indeed!
Source: Walid J. Abdullah
