MALAYSIA-KUALA LAMPUR: HOW TO DEAL WITH APOSTATES

Use ISA on those who leave Islam, says lecturer
By Anis Ibrahim 30 November, 2006

KUALA LUMPUR: Suggestions on how to deal with those who leave Islam came in many forms at a convention yesterday, ranging from the Internal Security Act, lengthy counselling to even elimination. International Islamic University law lecturer Dr Zulkifly Muda, who advocated the use of the ISA, however said this law should be refined for apostates.

"Instead of a jail sentence, they should be put in rehabilitation by the state religious department for three months. IIU lecturers may also assist in counselling."

He said the death penalty for apostasy subscribed under Islam was not suitable for the moment.

"The apostates are not the only ones to blame for leaving the religion. There are other parties who have contributed to their confusion and disillusionment."

The apostate may be unable to appreciate Islam due to the acts of his parents, family or the authorities. Although apostasy is a serious crime in Islam, death would be an unfair penalty," added Zulkifly.

He was speaking to about 200 participants at a convention on ‘Religious Freedom and Apostasy: Towards a Practical Solution’ at IIU yesterday.Zulkifly said the majority of apostates were non-Muslims who converted to marry Muslims, only to leave Islam upon dissolution of the marriage."

Converts usually return to their original faiths because of loss of interest in continuing as a Muslim or lack of financial or emotional support upon divorce.

This normally results in them giving up."Later in the afternoon, former High Court judge Datuk Faiza Thamby Chik chaired a discussion on Syariah jurisdiction.

"I cannot go into detail, but Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution is absolutely clear that the Syariah courts have jurisdiction in apostasy matters. What is important is that we seek a solution on how to deal with those who wish to leave Islam."

Among suggestions were that those who had applied to change their religion should receive counselling with a Muslim family for three months, after which they would be asked for their stand.

Faiza, who delivered the High Court judgment in the Lina Joy apostasy case, said recommendations would be forwarded to religious experts in due course.

The Federal Court decision on the Lina Joy case is still pending.

Another speaker, Negri Sembilan Mufti Datuk Mohd Murtadza Ahmad said the concept of freedom of religion in Islam had been misinterpreted.

"The Quranic verse ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ does not mean that a Muslim can leave Islam as he wishes, it means that non-Muslims cannot be forced to enter Islam. "This verse has been misquoted by so many. Once someone is a Muslim, he is bound by its rules, just as those professing other faiths are bound by theirs," he said.

Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria said serious action should be taken against apostates."The Muslim community is like a body. For example if a leg has become gangrenous, it should be cut off otherwise it would be dangerous for the rest of the body. Apostates can influence the rest of the community."

The one-day event was officiated by Syariah Judicial Department director-general Datuk Sheikh Ghazali Abdul Rahman.

Pertinent Links:

1) Use ISA on those who leave Islam, says lecturer