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KUBANG Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man sparked tension in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday when he firmly defended the use of the Qunut Nazilah during an opposition rally, brushing aside criticism and asserting that the prayer should not be politicised or mischaracterised.
"People are debating and criticising the Qunut Nazilah, but the prayer is meant to remind us not to commit oppression, lies, or betrayal," the New Straits Times reported him telling lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
"We should be reprimanding those who commit injustice, not those who pray for protection from it. If someone feels offended by the prayer, could it be because they feel it applies to them? If no injustice was done, why be upset over a prayer?"
The Qunut Nazilah is a supplication traditionally recited in times of crisis, often seeking divine help against oppression or adversity. Its recent use at an opposition rally on 26 July — led by Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail — triggered widespread debate, with some religious leaders voicing concern that the prayer had been wielded as a political weapon.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also PAS deputy president, rejected this interpretation, saying the prayer is widely used in mosques across the world, including in Malaysia.
"What is wrong with asking for protection from wrongdoing and deception? Stop the oppression, stop the lies — God willing, the country will move forward," he added.
His remarks followed comments made in the Dewan Rakyat by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who on Tuesday cautioned against politicising the Qunut Nazilah or directing it at specific individuals, regardless of political differences.
Anwar also dismissed suggestions that the prayer should be invoked against those who had previously revoked funding to religious schools, warning against misusing religious practices for political point-scoring.
Several religious figures also criticised the use of the prayer during the opposition rally, arguing that invoking Qunut Nazilah against fellow Muslims over political disagreements contradicted the ethics and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. - August 6, 2025