June 23, 2008
KOTA BARU: Politicians should refrain from openly proposing the Islamic state concept because it can lead to confusion, Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said.
The outspoken cleric said the concept was fast becoming rhetoric.
He said what should be more important to Muslims was the substance, not just words or catchphrases.
He said this during a dialogue on Pakatan Rakyat’s 100 days of administration in Balai Islam here on Saturday night.
The other two panellists were PKR strategic planning director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and International Islamic University law academician Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.
Dr Mohd Asri said the concept of an Islamic state was often just associated with hudud (syariah criminal laws) when it should encompass more, including an Islamic lifestyle.
Besides that, he said the misuse of the term “Islamic state??? could cause confusion, even among Muslims.
“What, we must attempt is bring meaning to the concept we proposed.
“If it is an Islamic state, the content must be there, not just in the form of hudud law but fair administration, justice for all, eradication of poverty and corruption and human rights, which are the very essence of Islamic civilisation,??? he added.
Dr Mohd Asri said he had no political aspirations and his visit here was purely because of the invitation to him to express his viewpoints.
He denied speculation that he would join PKR and said his duty as a mufti compelled him to be neutral.
He said Islam allowed for differing viewpoints and urged the Pakatan Rakyat alliance not to be embroiled in escapism.
“They must look forward and prove they can meet the people’s aspirations.
“They should stop looking at the past.
“It is much easier being in the opposition than the government. Pakatan must realise this and stop the blame game.
“They must evolve into playing a role as the government,??? he added.