GEORGE TOWN, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) has clarified that accepting contributions or waqf from non-Muslims did not confer equal rights on them in matters involving faith, worship, religious leadership or the administration of Islamic institutions.
JHEAIPP said in a Facebook statement today that matters involving muamalat (mutual dealings) and community welfare should be distinguished from those concerning faith, worship and religious leadership, adding that accepting a contribution did not automatically grant the donor rights over an institution, land, administration or related religious decisions.
“For instance, contributions from non-Muslims towards mosque construction may be accepted as charitable and community efforts, but they do not entitle the donor to become a committee member, chairman, imam, khatib or hold any position related to the management of Islamic religious affairs, including using or controlling facilities reserved for Muslims.
“Therefore, using Muslim cemeteries and positions in mosque administration as examples in relation to the acceptance of contributions is an assumption that is not based on the actual meaning of waqf and donations,” the statement said, responding to views and objections over the content of the Penang Friday prayer sermon on Aug 7.
JHEAIPP also stressed that accepting a contribution should not be equated with granting the same spiritual rewards as those received by Muslims, as matters of reward in the afterlife rest solely with Allah.
“…no one can determine with certainty the extent or form of a person’s reward without clear religious evidence, while Islam recognises the good deeds of non-Muslims who help others, support charitable causes and benefit society,” it said.
JHEAIPP said concerns that non-Muslim donations could “tarnish Islam” or erode the dignity of Muslims needed to be assessed carefully, emphasising that Islam’s strength lies in strong faith, understanding of Islamic law, good character and the wisdom to manage relations within society, rather than rejecting goodwill from others.
“The Prophet Muhammad PBUH himself engaged with non-Muslims in matters of muamalat, including trade and borrowing. An authentic hadith also records that he bought food on credit from a Jewish man, offering his armour as collateral, demonstrating that such dealings should not be confused with the mixing of religious beliefs,” the statement said.
JHEAIPP said concerns over the future of Muslims should be grounded in knowledge and facts, not assumptions that accepting contributions would eventually lead to wider claims for non-Muslims to gain control of mosques or Muslim cemeteries.
“Waqf is a Syariah institution with rules, objectives, conditions, management procedures and designated authorities set by Islamic law and state legislation. Accepting a contribution does not remove any of these requirements,” it said.
JHEAIPP said matters relating to waqf, mosques, Muslim cemeteries and Islamic institutions in Penang remained governed by Syariah law, state legislation and the authority of the state religious authorities, making it inaccurate to suggest that non-Muslim contributions amounted to granting “equal rights” over Islamic institutions.
It also urged the public to approach the issue with fairness, calm and knowledge, rather than drawing conclusions outside the context of the sermon or the actual religious ruling.
“In a multicultural society such as Penang, dakwah should be conducted wisely, while upholding firm faith and clear Syariah principles, alongside fairness in muamalat and appreciation of acts of kindness,” the statement said.
--BERNAMA