Pahang mufti: Even Muslims subjected to kafir harbi

(The Star) – Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman said he has never condoned any killing of those whom he labelled as kafir harbi (non-believers who can be slain.)

He said the term did not bring any literal context, and the remark could even be subjected to Muslims, if they go against the Islamic principles.

“As Muslims, we have the responsibility to declare jihad against kafir harbi. But in this context, jihad does not necessarily mean picking up weapons and going to war.

“In this case, jihad means we just declare war against their ideology through debate and argument,” he told The Star Online.

Abdul Rahman said it was “absurd” to wage war against the non-Muslims in a multi-cultural and multi-religious country like Malaysia.

“I have friends who are Chinese and Indians. Why would I want to trigger chaos in the first place?” he said.

Abdul Rahman was criticised by various quarters for labelling the non-believers, in particular DAP, as kafir harbi for their staunch objection to the Private Member’s Bill on Syariah court amendments tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

His remark also drew ire from politicians across the divide, with some lodging police reports against him for “incitement”.

Sounding unperturbed, Abdul Rahman said it was their right to lodge police reports against him.

“They have the right to do that. But I never intended to call the Muslims to slay the non-Muslims as I was just making a general statement,” he explained.

He added the non-Muslims should not be concerned over the proposed amendments meant to strengthen the Syariah courts as they were only meant for the Muslims.

“This does not concern them and it is better for them not to interfere in our religious affairs,” he said.

Asked whether his remarks could lead to attacks, specifically by the Islamic State, Abdul Rahman said this was too “far-fetched”.

“There’s a vast difference from what I said with what IS champions. They want to set up an Islamic State and they even kill other Muslims in the process.

“What I want is just jihad against this ideology and it is for the good,” he said.

Bernama has quoted Abdul Rahman as saying that he would not retract or apologise for the remarks labeling the DAP as kafir harbi.’