In a recent opinion piece, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang emphasized the religious duty of Muslims to vote in Malaysia, equating it to "jihad" or a holy struggle when the political dominance of the majority group is under threat from other ethnicities. The president of the Islamist party PAS urged Malay-Muslims to vote for candidates from their own community to ensure Muslims retain power in the country.
Hadi stated that when Muslims find themselves in a situation where their political force is being challenged by other races, voting becomes a "fardhu 'ain jihad" - an obligatory individual struggle that every Muslim must perform. He clarified that this "jihad" doesn't involve armed conflict but rather using a pencil to cast votes. Negligence in fulfilling this duty, he warned, could lead to the loss of political power for Muslims, resulting in humiliation both in this world and the hereafter.
"Fardhu 'ain" denotes acts that each individual Muslim must personally carry out, which can include religious obligations like prayers, fasting, charity, and ensuring compliance with Islamic teachings. While "jihad" is commonly associated with armed struggle, Hadi highlighted that it encompasses any effort to abide by Islamic principles.
Supporting his argument, Hadi cited various Quranic verses and hadiths (quotes from Prophet Muhammad) that emphasize the necessity of Muslim leadership in society, making it a religious obligation for Muslims to ensure this.
Addressing concerns about malpractices within the government, Hadi advocated for changes in the selection of leaders when necessary. He previously asserted that only Malay-Muslims should lead and rule in a diverse society that includes non-Muslims, in contrast to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's view that government stability depends on policies rather than ethnic composition.
Regarding non-Muslims, Hadi advised them to allow the majority ethnic group to maintain leadership and be grateful for their place in Malaysia, made possible through the jus soli citizenship policy. He argued that this privilege might not be available in other places.
Recently aligned with Perikatan Nasional and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Hadi expressed his party's willingness to collaborate with any group that upholds Malay and Muslim leadership, adhering strictly to Islamic principles.
It's worth noting that Hadi's remarks have faced scrutiny, and the police are investigating potential violations related to race, religion, and royalty sensitivities. Nonetheless, his party remains steadfast in its commitment to the ideals they believe in.
In conclusion, Abdul Hadi Awang's opinion piece highlights the religious imperative for Muslims to vote in Malaysia as a form of "jihad" to safeguard the political power of the majority group. Advocating for Malay-Muslim leadership, he emphasizes that adherence to Islamic principles must guide the nation's governance. As Malaysia prepares for the upcoming state elections, these sentiments are likely to resonate with many within the Muslim community.
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