An Islamic rebuttal to the FT mufti on Trump’s visit

We read with deep concern the statement issued by the learned Mufti of Federal Territory on Trump’s visit  to Malaysia. 

It was disheartening to see the Mufti attempting to justify the prime minister’s stand on this matter through the use of Islamic terminologies. In our view, such position is untenable. This issue of Trump’s visit has already been raised by many quarters including former prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Trump is a symbol of arrogance and a diabolical figure. His vitriolic anti-Muslim rhetoric is widely known. His unwavering support for the Zionist regime of Israel has translated into billions of dollars in military aid supplied during his administration. He has been the greatest ally of a regime responsible for the deaths of countless Palestinians, including more than 20,000 children over the course of the ongoing war. 

Furthermore, his recent call to "clean out" Gaza demonstrates his explicit endorsement of Israel’s genocidal crimes. 

Why then should we, as an Islamic nation, invite such a devilish figure? 

For the mufti to invoke the concept of maqasid shariah in defence of this decision is deeply misplaced. What maqasid could possibly be achieved by hosting a man whose words and actions so starkly contradict justice (adl)? 

Instead of appealing to maqasid, the mufti should have referred to the principle of "al-wala wal bara" (loyalty and disavowal).

"Al-wala wal bara" is among the fundamental principles of Tawhid (Oneness of God), affirmed both in text and meaning. Allah declares in the Quran, in Surah al-Ma'idah; 5:51:

"O you who have attained to faith! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for your allies: they are but allies of one another—and whoever of you allies himself with them becomes, verily, one of them; behold, God does not guide such evildoers."

Islam calls for brotherhood. Shall we now abandon that brotherhood for a despicable person like Trump? Allah reminds us again in the Quran in Surah Al Imran, 3:109:

"And hold fast, all together, unto the bond with God, and do not draw apart one another. And remember the blessings which God has bestowed upon you: How, when you were enemies., He brought your hearts together, so that through His blessings you became brethren; and [how, when] you were on the brink of a fiery abyss, He saved you from it. In this way God makes clear His messages unto you, so that you might find guidance."

To invite Trump is nothing less than a betrayal of Muslim brotherhood and of our solidarity with the Palestinians. We speak loudly as being among Palestine’s strongest allies, yet in reality, such actions betray their suffering. 

The Prophet reminded us that we, the Muslims, are like a single body.

An-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever." (Sahih al-Bukhãri: 6011 and Sahih Muslim: 2586).

Yet today, we have become numb to the pain of our brothers and sisters. The blood of Muslims is no longer regarded as sacred. Thousands of Palestinians have been massacred; their homes bombed and demolished; food and water cut off mercilessly. 

Our leaders, blinded by greed and worldly interests, fail to stand up for justice. 

As Muslims, we owe one another rights—rights that must be upheld and kept sacrosanct. 

We therefore call upon our leaders to rescind this invitation to Trump and to stand firmly in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.

There is no greater betrayal to the Palestinian cause than to welcome in our land the greatest ally of their oppressors.

To the Muslim leaders of the Madani government: it is the principle of "al-wala wal bara" that must guide us. It is this pristine concept of Tawhid that defines us as Muslims, and it stands firmly against any form of alliance or collaboration with the enemies of Allah. 

The mufti compassionate call must be rejected. Instead, we must uphold our ‘izzah (honour and dignity) by standing against tyranny and despotism embodied in one individual: Donald Trump.

Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa is a scholar, researcher, social activist, and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Director of the Islamic Renaissance Front. He holds a PhD in Surgery from Monash University Australia and Masters of Medicine in Surgery from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is also a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies at Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia.