'Disrespectful' - Minister slams tourist for reciting Islamic verse at Batu Caves

'Disrespectful' - Minister slams tourist for reciting Islamic verse at Batu Caves

Published: May 25, 2024 12:00 PM


Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has condemned the actions of a foreign tourist reciting a verse from the Quran in a mocking manner at the Batu Caves Hindu temple complex.

Na'im deemed the tourist's behaviour, which was caught on video, as highly inappropriate and disrespectful, presuming that the individual lacked an understanding of Malaysia's multicultural society and the sanctity of religious sites.

"The actions of this individual, who recited verses from the Quran (Surah Al-Anbiya' verses 66 & 67) at a non-Muslim place of worship, were completely unacceptable.

"He clearly does not comprehend the situation and reality of religious harmony in Malaysia," Na’im told Malaysiakini.

The minister warned that such provocative actions could severely undermine the peaceful coexistence of different faiths in the country.

"These kinds of insensitive acts have the potential to provoke outrage and trigger an unharmonious atmosphere, especially towards followers of other religions," he cautioned.

The tourist uploaded the video on his TikTok account @abdeentube, sparking a debate questioning the moral basis and the man’s intent in reciting Islamic verses in front of the Lord Murugan statue in Batu Caves.

The verses, which speak of Prophet Ibrahim destroying idols, state: "He said, 'Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?’”


Do not insult other religions

The minister stressed that Islam strictly prohibits insulting other religions, as it will only provoke retaliation and enmity.

He cited Surah Al-An'am verse 108: "And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus, We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do."

Invoking scholar Al-Sabuni's interpretation, the minister explained that insulting polytheists and idolaters’ objects of worship would only lead them to retaliate by reviling Allah out of ignorance and excess.

Na'im reminded that the Quran instructs Muslims against interfering in other religions, citing the verse: "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."

He emphasised that insults and actions that breed hatred towards followers of other faiths must be avoided, as they could provoke enmity and conflict, benefiting none.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow authorities to deal with the matter.

"I advise everyone to remain calm. If there are provocations that could disrupt harmony and threaten the unity of our multi-religious society, they should be referred to the authorities for appropriate action based on the law," he added.