Sultan Al-Qalam ::

Prayers banned at Ahmadi mosque by Islamia Council in Malaysia

Islamic Council in Malaysis issues notice to Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat preventing use of central mosque.

It is with great regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that the Selangor Council of Islamic Religion has issued a notice ordering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malaysia (AMJ Malaysia) to stop offering Friday Prayers (‘Jumma’) at the National AMJ Headquarters, the Bait-us-Salam Mosque. Various other activities have also been banned under the terms of the notice.

The Selangor Council of Islamic Religion which is also known as ‘Majlis Agama Islam Selangor’ (MAIS) is the highest Islamic authority in Selangor State apart from the Sultan. On 24 April 2009 several MAIS officers came to the Bait-us-Salam Mosque and issued a notice under the ‘Selangor State Enactment on the Administration of Islamic Law 2003’. The notice states:

1)      That AMJ Malaysia no longer has permission to offer Friday prayers at the Bait-us-Salam Mosque.

2)      That AMJ Malaysia no longer has official permission to use Bait-us-Salam as a Mosque.

3)      That AMJ Malaysia no longer has permission to conduct activities related to the mosque such as appointing officers and managing the premises.

Furthermore a notice has been placed around the Mosque stating ‘Qadiani Bukan Agama Islam’. This translates as ‘Ahmadiyyat is not an Islamic Religion’

In its order the MAIS has stated that failure by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat to comply with the terms of the order will result in imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine up to RM3000.

In an era where Freedom of Religion ought to be taken for granted as a basic human right it is of great concern that a State sanctioned body has taken it upon itself to ban a peace loving organisation from worshipping within the confines of its own premises. The International Community is urged to take action to assist in repealing the notice issued by the MAIS.

Actions

Please write to Malaysian Media, Malaysian Authorities and Human Rights Organisations . Please also find below some template letters written by our members for the previous Alert on this matter in January. 

Either letter can be adapted, but both should include extracts from the above Press Release relating to the facts of this case in addition to the events in January.

The style & content of the second letter is ideal to be adapted for an article/letter to be sent to the Malaysian Media and Authorities - providing Quranic evidence that their actions are contrary to the commandments of Allah. 

Example Letter 1

I write referring to the above Press Release - which is yet another example of the mounting occurrences of persecution against our Community co-ordinated by extremists groups and violence-inciting Clerics.  I am one of tens of thousands of UK Ahmadis and tens of Million Ahmadis worldwide deeply concerned about the human rights, welfare and safety of my fellow members.

The irony of the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Malaysia is that Ahmadi Muslims practice the most peaceful and moderate brand of Islam in the world - under a renaissance of the true & original teachings of Islam.

In the face of brutal persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, Ahmadi Muslims advocate universal human rights, non-violence and absolute justice.

They have vociferously condemned militant and perverse manifestations of Islam. 

They have set up schools, hospitals and welfare programmes all over the world. They have built inter-religious coalitions and fight for basic civil and religious liberties for all.

Indeed, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community provides hope to a world that desperately struggles to understand and embrace Islam's true and peaceful teachings.

Malaysia should be a beacon of democracy, prosperity and progression in Asia.  Vibrant and progressive communities like the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are needed to  keep that status - and avoid Malaysia falling into the clutches of backward, violent and divisive extremists.

Please do all you can to help my fellow Ahmadi brothers and sisters in Malaysia and avoid any repetition of the mounting persecution in other countries- which has led to brutal murder of our members and the burning of our Mosques.

Example Letter 2

Mulsim or Not - Not for Man to Judge

Jan 08 2009 by Naseer Ahmad Khan - London

I refer to the Malaysiakini report Time running out for 'deviationist' sect.

I write to you with grave concern about the direction that is being taken by some in Malaysia in relation to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, in particular in the state of Selangor which has instructed that the Kalima Shahada (motto) be erased from a mosque within the state.

I am concerned about both the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and for the Malaysian people at large. The consequences of such policy is warned against in the Quran itself.

‘And who is more unjust than he who prohibits the name of Allah being glorified in Allah’s mosques and seeks to ruin them? It was not proper for such men to enter therein except in fear. For them is disgrace in this world; and theirs shall be a great punishment in the next’ (Surah Al Baqarah, (Verse 14)

It is not for any man to judge whether someone is a Muslim or not for this right only exists with Allah himself. Therefore, I plead with the authorities not to make this mistake and save the values of Malaysia that have been held in high esteem for so long.

The decisions made by both the authorities and allowed by the people of Malaysia will have far- reaching consequences on the positive development of society and the progress of the nation I ask you to save your nation from such social degradation and allow the true freedom of religion as given by Allah Subhana Ta'ala in another verse of the Quran:

‘There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, right has become distinct from wrong; so whosoever refuses to be led by those who transgress, and believes in Allah, has surely grasped a strong handle which knows no breaking. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.’ (Surah Al Baqarah verse 256)

The above two verses of the Quran should be enough for any Muslim to protect the right of that mosque to stand and for the members of the Jamaat to worship unhindered, with safety, security and freedom.

This should be the message that Malaysia sends, not one of religious intolerance. This is a chance for Malaysia to stand up and be counted as protectors against those that would be unjust the way the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) of Islam has taught all Muslims.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that the authorities and people of Selangor do not allow the despotic members of society to prevail over that which is good and correct in terms of humanity and in the eyes of Allah.