Hindu group wants Islamic preacher to take down offensive comic

“Comparisons between religions should not be made based on a biased interpretation or lack of understanding of other religions.

(Focus Malaysia) – THE Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) has called on an Islamic preacher to take down a comic post on Facebook that is religiously insensitive.

MHS president Ganesan Thangavellu said such content could harm religious harmony.

“The comic dialogue poster published by Zirwah al-Idrus is said to be aimed at educating Muslim children.

“Although the effort to educate children about religion is greatly appreciated, we must remember that Malaysia is a country made up of various races and religions.

“Therefore, any educational material must be delivered with full sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of other religions,” Ganesan told The Malaysian Insight.

The poster, uploaded two days ago on the Facebook page of Zirwah al-Idrus, has gone viral on social media platforms.

At the time of reporting, the post had garnered more than 3,000 comments and over 11,000 shares.

The poster shows a dialogue between a Muslim woman and her son who was curious about a Hindu temple.

In the description, the mother calls Hindus kafir because they do not worship Allah.

“They do not pray to Allah but they worship idols,” she says.

“Who is greater? Humans or statues? It is humans who make idols. Idols can’t move.

“That’s why they are called kafirs – because they do not pray to Allah, and no one should pray to anything but Allah,.”

Ganesan said the text gives a negative impression of Hindu beliefs.

“The poster contained statements that insult and degrade Hindu religious beliefs, especially the practice of idol worship,” he said.

“Comparisons between religions should not be made based on a biased interpretation or lack of understanding of other religions.

“Religious education should foster respect and humanity, instead of spreading hatred and racism.

“As an organisation that represents Hindus in Malaysia, we urge Zirwah al-Idrus to immediately correct or withdraw the offending statement.”

Ganesan said MHS will refer the case to the religious affairs minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, National Unity Ministry, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia, and Malaysian Islamic Development Department.

He added that religious differences should not be an obstacle to unity but rather the basis for harmony and mutual prosperity.

“Let us together take the initiative to fuel the spirit of humanity and unity in a multi-racial society in this month of independence and recognise and respect each other’s beliefs.”