What do I think about Lina Joy’s case?
Those who think Islam is all about legislation would jump with joy. They mistakenly think that the judgement is a success for Islam and Muslims. They would praise the two judges for ‘siding’ with them. They would start creating conspiracy theories about how the ‘other’ judge is an enemy of Islam. Some would even go as far as to campaign for another legislation to ‘ban’ conversion altogether.
But these very people forgot the fact that Lina Joy is still no longer a Muslim. The craze to legislate has, unfortunately, blinded many about the need to educate.
I would also ask these people, if a church starts lobbying for the criminalisation of conversion from Christianity to Islam, or a temple from Hinduism to Islam, or a synagogue from Judaism to Islam, would you support them? You wouldn’t, would you? Do you seriously think your double standard would make a harmonious Malaysia?
Plus, for the state to decide what you believe in is sad in its own right. What business does a judge have in what I believe? If you protest when your sponsor / employer dictates what political party you can join, why would you support another authority dictating what you can believe in? Are you really any different from the very people you are complaining about?
So,for those who are still jumping with joy, I suggest you sit down and use your otak instead of your kepala lutut. Ask: “Does the decision change anything as far as Lina Joy is concerned?”, and also ask yourself: “Am I being consistent?”
Filed under: Malaysia
when they said dat there’s no more joy 4 lina joy, they juz forgot dat she’s no longer a muslim, no more joy 4 us. agree with ur point here. some of my friends keep on forwarding e-mails bout our success in this case n so on. i hv no doubt with d decision, all praises to Almighty Allah, but i’m kind of concern with our ( youths including myself) attitudes n way of thinking- indeed, we shud use our brain instead of our patella…
The funny thing is, now the law commands that Lina remains ‘Muslim’ even though the religious authorities know that she has not been, and will not be, a practicing Muslim. It’s as if the Muslim clerics are saying that “we don’t care whether you eat pork or drink alcohol or pray 5 times a day, AS LONG AS we can classify you as ‘Muslim’ it’s good enough for us”. Is all this window-dressing-charade good for Islam’s image in Malaysia?
On hindsight, what are the religious people really afraid of? That if Lina’s case went her way, then 1000s of non-practicing Musilms in M’sia will follow suit? If the Muslim authorities are really afraid of the floodgate of Muslims-converting-out-of-Islam opening, then they should do something to revitalise the religion in the believers, rather than make life difficult for non-believers.
Abg Wan, I think it’s mentioned in several articles commenting on this issue that it’s not preventing conversion, but that it has to go through Shariah Court. That’s all. Nothing to do with religious intolerance or practising double standards.
As for blueheeler, the significance of this case is exactly as you mocked at. The decision made sets a legal precedence for future cases.
imran: talking about the case having to go to Syariah Court, Nik Nazmi said so too in his blog (www.niknazmi.com). I commented: “Is it really a procedural matter, or are we playing ping-pong with the case by hiding behind procedures?”
I want to add here: Can anyone imagine the Syariah Court actually saying “Yes” to her application? If the decision can be pre-determined, is a fair trial ever possible? If not, what’s the point other than playing ping-pong with the case?
Once again, at this moment in time, our focus should be to educate, not legislate. As the quote from Ibn Khaldun I posted under the heading Ibn Khaldun on laws: “governmental and educational laws … weaken their souls and diminish their stamina”
assalamualaikum…
everyone is entitled to own opinion and i almost agree to every arguement here. it may seem “playing a ping pong with the case” nonetheless according to Article 121(1A) only Mahkamah Syariah has the power which has been constituted to the Court (and we have to respect that). Not as Mahkamah Sesyen or Tinggi, the Fed Court can supercede their decisions.
Mahmakah Syariah has its own judgement to this case. To me, the Court is also protecting Lina Joy. What happen if the Court announed her no longer a Muslim, and there are extremists in the country just like al-maunah or KMN? I believe every bright and sane mind can answer that. Although, people may say that there are already some threats towards Joy but true Muslims will never approve a killing of another ‘Muslim’ (at least that is what the ID says).
Educating Muslims to be true Muslims is the ultimate approach which I also share the same view in ensuring non of this will happen again. Muslims should understand the true meaning of Islam and being a Muslim, which I see the good approach from the Government by introducing Islam Hadhari approach. May be a lot of parties will not agree with me but if anybody tries to understand it, insya Allah most Malaysians will agree with me and work hard along the way of Hadhari to bring up Islam and this country to where it suppose to be.
horizontimur,
What do you mean by saying that Islam Hadhari is a a good approach to educate muslims? Isn’t Islam Hadhari only a slogan? What does Islam Hadhari educate us about?
i’m sorry.. i’m new here.. just want some clarification… i know that Lina Joy is not a muslim anymore.. and for that the muslim should feel bad..
but for losing her case, has made the muslims ‘lega’..at least for now..
my question is, from my understanding of the article.. the writer is promoting the idea that any muslim should be allowed to convert whenever they want to.. is that what u mean?
Hope to get ‘pencerahan’ soon..
thank you
Assalamualaikum
imran… I suggest you find an article or booklet by JAKIM about Islam Hadhari then you’ll understand what I was saying. Or maybe I’ll post it up on my blog soon so we all can understand