Don't choose those who want positions, cannot ensure Muslim political dominance, says Selangor Friday sermon

Muslims in Selangor have been urged to reject leaders who vie for positions as well as those who will not be able to ensure Muslim political power in the country, as Friday sermons at mosques throughout the state declared it a religious obligation to participate in the general election tomorrow.

"The Muslims are the majority in this country, hence upon them lies the power to delegate political power to Muslim individuals or those in society who can be trusted to defend Islam and the Muslims," said an extract of the sermon prepared by the Selangor Islamic Department, distributed to more than 400 mosques.

The sermon said Muslim voters must choose candidates who will safeguard "the sanctity and status of Islam, the rights of Muslims, and the rights of the multiracial population". 

"As such, the Muslims must elevate those who are truly qualified, who will act in the interest of the public and avoid harm as demanded by fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)."

It also reminded Muslims that the most qualified candidate is the one who is the most pious among them.

"They must be knowledgeable and well-versed in the shariah. They must be able to provide good examples to be emulated, and well-respected." 

It further said that when faced with the choice of candidates who do not fulfil any of these criteria, voters should choose the "lesser of the two evils".