***This is a translated version of ‘WABAK TAKFIRI & WATAK-WATAK KEJI : MENINJAU-NINJAU TAHUN 1963, 1981 DAN CERMIN DIRI DI ALAF BARU’ by the same author.
In my short story collection 'Nakal-Nakal', there's a piece titled "Ahmad Fugi Menulis Pojok". Ahmad Fugi, who took up column writing after quitting his job as a journalist, uses his column to voice his concerns about the Takfiri epidemic and his frustration with the authorities who are doing nothing about it. This Takfiri phenomenon remains a filthy, disgusting stain that's hard to clean. It's not just limited to those with religious knowledge; this repulsive stain has also spread to the general public. It's become a widespread disease, leading to chaos and turmoil.
This issue was once a significant concern for Sahibul Fadhilah Tuan Sayyid Yusuf Bin Ali Az-Zawawi, a mufti in Terengganu. The manuscript from 1963, beautifully transliterated into Roman script by Arsyad Mokhtar in 2018, reflects his fear of emerging characters who claim to be religious warriors. These troubling figures spread a perfume labeled 'religion'—fragrant but deadly. These self-proclaimed religious warriors spread deceitful, harmful messages, claiming that any Muslim who votes for a non-Muslim in elections is an infidel.
The 1963 fatwa also hints at a sinister movement by political parties deceiving the public for their gain, exploiting religion without considering the long-term effects on themselves and society. It’s a vile and tragic tactic, according to the Terengganu mufti in 1963.
The 1963 Terengganu mufti declared in his fatwa: “...no Muslim should ever judge another Muslim as an infidel based on personal opinions...”¹ He emphasized that only a Sharia judge has the authority to judge someone after a thorough investigation and consideration. This responsibility does not lie with the general public, religious scholars, or politicians with an Islamic image.
He also dismissed claims by these divisive characters, stating clearly that there is no obstacle for a Muslim to vote for a non-Muslim who is a legitimate citizen. The focus should not be on the candidate's religion but on their ability to bring positive change and benefits to everyone, rather than just talking about religion. Therefore, as a society, we should fulfill our duties rationally, without being swayed by deceitful claims like those made by these malicious figures.
It's truly unfortunate that this fatwa has been ignored and left to gather dust. Many painful events could have been avoided if this fatwa had been followed. Sadly, society only supports fatwas that prohibit things they dislike, such as pluralism, liberalism, secularism, without truly understanding these concepts.
Had society adhered to the fatwa issued by Sahibul Fadhilah Tuan Sayyid Yusuf Bin Ali Az-Zawawi, the chaotic events following Haji Hadi's Amanat (issued on April 7, 1981, in Kampung Banggol, Peradong, Kuala Terengganu) could have been avoided. We could have prevented the Memali tragedy and conflicts between communities over different political views and races. Perhaps we could have also stopped the growth of fanatical societies and politicians with an Islamic image who condemn anyone not voting for their political party to hell. It is also possible that there would be no room for 'evil scholars' who love to label others as infidels and fools for having different political views.
It's not too late to make a change. The effort to transliterate the 1963 fatwa by Tuan Arsyad Mokhtar should be praised. It acts like a flashlight helping the community find a way out through dark alleys. It's not too late for society to realize that there are wicked figures who will use anything for power and wealth. They should stop mimicking the deceitful actions of these malicious figures. It's also not too late for these despicable characters to stop deceiving the public and their destructive work. It's not too late for all of us—the society living together with various races and diversities—and the authorities to strongly condemn and take action against these vile individuals. While there's still a chance.
Reference
Book
¹ Sayyid Yusuf Bin Ali Az-Zawawi. (2018). Fatwa Berkenaan Tuduhan Kafir-Mengkafir (Arsyad Mokhtar, trans.). Baytul Hikmah. (Original work published 1963)
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