Malay-Muslim scholars and thinkers regrouped under the Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) are not in favor of the presence of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in Malaysia, and his involvement in local political matters.
In a long article entitled “Zakir Naik’s Appeal and the Quagmire of Inter-Religious Relations in Malaysia“ published on June 17, 2016, by Singaporean based interfaith group Left Right and Center creator Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib.
In the article, Mohamed Imran explained the reasons why Zakir is diverting from the real issues of ‘comparative religion’ debates, into that of a politically charged engagement in Malaysia.
He said Zakir’s presence in Malaysia may have bad fallout on the country’s religious harmony.
He urged for the replacement of the ‘confrontational’ religious education with one that builds approaches, reconcile and create a sense of respect for each other, to accept diversity and difference. and the desire to jointly pursue the common good in a spirit of peace, justice and equality between religious and non-religious communities.
This with the desire to jointly pursue the common good in a spirit of peace, justice and equality between religious and non-religious communities.
“While politics can often derail this process, it is important to work towards building a community that can fight the tide effort to seed the dispute.
He said these actions may not be carried out by outright prohibition, which would instantly make them martyrs in religion classes and strengthen the “conspiracy theory” against Islam.
“In contrast is the strong effort to show that the relationship between religion will be harmed if Zakir Naik is left unchecked.
Original article here: http://irfront.net/post/articles/articles-malay/rayuan-zakir-naik-dan-jerlus-hubungan-antara-agama-di-malaysia/
Source: www.theindependent.sg
