MOHD NA'IM: AVOID HASTILY ISSUING PERSONAL VIEWS ON HAJJ, UMRAH DURING ELECTIONS

TAPAH, April 21 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has urged all parties not to hastily express personal views on the ruling regarding performing the hajj during the election season without first consulting relevant authorities, including state muftis.

He stressed that religious edicts or rulings require thorough research, deep understanding, and a high level of scholarly discipline.

“It is crucial for us to maintain social order and avoid creating confusion that could disrupt harmony, especially when it involves worship, which is a pillar of Islam, as well as an important democratic process for the country,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He also urged all parties to remain calm and allow space for muftis and authoritative institutions to provide views and guidance based on Islamic principles and the current context.

This comes in response to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s remarks during a mega speech at the Ayer Kuning state by-election campaign last Saturday, where he reportedly said that Muslims should prioritise political victory, even if it means postponing plans to perform the umrah or hajj pilgrimage.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), in a statement, said it is currently reviewing the remarks, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Mufti Department and other relevant authorities.

It also urged all parties to exercise caution when making statements related to religious matters to avoid causing confusion within the community.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Zulkifli Hasan reminded that those chosen as dhuyufurrahman (guests of Allah) must accept the call to perform hajj with sincerity.

He stressed that hajj and umrah are core pillars of Islamic worship and should never be downplayed or compared to political interests.

“Islam never teaches us to abandon worship in pursuit of political victory. We must return to the true teachings of Islam, which unite us through faith, peace, brotherhood, and unity,” he said.

Zulkifli added that the claim suggesting political victory is more important than performing umrah and hajj requires thorough examination and must be approached with caution to avoid misinterpretation, which could lead to extremism and fanaticism.

PKR’s Department of Religious Understanding and Strengthening director Amidi Abdul Manan said that Abdul Hadi was using arguments out of context and causing confusion.

“Claiming that Prophet Muhammad prioritised political victory over performing umrah or hajj is misleading.

“The difference in struggle between Abdul Hadi and the Prophet is stark. The Prophet never allowed the pure struggle of Islam to be tainted by slander or misrepresentation,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) director-general Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil cautioned that statements issued by political leaders who place political interests above the significance of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages risk being taken out of context and may lead to confusion or misunderstandings among Muslims.

He said political leaders, as role models in society, should demonstrate a balanced approach between worldly responsibilities and spiritual obligations.

“Placing political victory above acts of worship such as hajj and umrah reflects a distorted understanding of religion’s role in life, especially in today’s context, where the wait to perform hajj can take several years,” he said.

“Postponing the hajj for valid reasons such as health or safety is a rukhsah (concession) allowed under Islamic law, and should not be equated with deferring it simply to vote in an election,” he said in a statement.

Mohamed Azam added that Islam emphasises that worldly success should never take precedence over one’s obligation to worship Allah SWT, as life in this world is fleeting compared to the eternal life in the hereafter.

“IKIM urges all parties, particularly political leaders, to exercise greater caution when making statements, especially those that touch on sensitive matters such as religious obligations. Leaders should instead focus on promoting the noble values of Islam, prioritising worship, upholding exemplary character, and fulfilling their political responsibilities with integrity and justice.

“We also call on the public to continue deepening their religious knowledge to better distinguish between worldly duties and spiritual priorities. IKIM remains committed to fostering a balanced and comprehensive understanding of Islam for the benefit of the ummah,” he added.

Senator Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said that the statement issued by the political leader was not based on the basis of knowledge but was simply 'riding' on the issue of hajj and umrah to encourage public participation in the election.

“Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it must be performed when the time is right and within one's means. Anyone who is able should fulfil this religious obligation when the opportunity arises,” he explained.

“This is entirely different from political matters, such as voting, where the timing is uncertain and by-elections can arise at any moment. Drawing a comparison between the two is not only baseless but also highly misguided,” he added.

-- BERNAMA