Islam already has a protector, and it’s not you

By admin-s Last updated May 8, 2014

Is it Islam who is insulted, or could it just be a weak, over-sensitive you?

Dr. Kamal Amzan, MMO

Islam has so many “protectors” today.

As if under an imminent threat, we have new NGOs mushrooming on a regular basis to champion the religion. These I suppose are the “superheroes”, “guardians” of Islam.

And unlike other superheroes who fight crime and villains, these NGOs seem to be fighting multiculturalism, secularism and the freedom of religious and political discourse.

If we were to believe them, these are the new “enemies” that are bent on destroying a religion that has survived more than 1,400 years, a religion embraced by people of different races, cultures and traditions around the world.

Ideas and opinions that run contrary to theirs are viewed as a threat that needs to be silenced, suppressed, and individuals responsible sent for religious counselling.

And even more pitiful is the fact that they actually believe this is done in the name of Islam.

Quran said 5:48, “…..Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.”

If they read the Quran, they would also realise that their coveted job is already taken.

Quran 15:9, “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian”.

I’m sorry folks, no vacancy for the position “protectors”, “guardians” of Islam, ever.

Persecuting and prosecuting those with opposing views

In the same context, there is really no need to arrest and prosecute Dr Kassim Ahmad.

He was merely expressing his views. Disagree with him. Argue with him. But persecuting and prosecuting him for insulting Islam is a waste of time, and a retrogressive step in our quest to become a modern and developed nation.

Perhaps our leaders would do well to remember that a developed nation should not only be measured in monetary terms. A developed nation should also mean the creation of a mature, civil and just society that is able to contribute to the general well-being and progress of the whole nation.

Malaysia should not be one of the countries that have First World incomes and infrastructure but Third World citizens. No point in having a high income when people still double park, spit in public, cannot keep their lavatories clean and cannot speak and argue properly.

Believe it or not, one cannot, no matter how hard you try, insult Islam that has survived more than 1,400 years and is guarded by the protector of all protectors, God.

And even if you think Kassim Ahmad is a deviant and oppose his views, you can do what Quran 73:10 says about the ignorant and non-believers, “And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.”

Why can’t they answer and rebut Dr Kassim’s views with facts?