We regret the statement made by Noor Farida Ariffin, from G25 that called for the abolishment of the law of close proximity or “khalwat” on the basis that those are personal sins, sins against God thus it is between that person and God.”
She had further added, “Islam says you should not intrude on personal space.”
Terms like ‘ personal sins’ as well as ‘moral policing’ and ‘holier than thou’ are quite frequently heard being used in cries disputing Islamic Syariah Law, and towards the relevant authorities such as JAKIM and state religious institutions which have enacted laws in curbing adultery, close proximity (khalwat), alcohol consumption, skipping Friday prayer and the likes. A quick visit to the website of JAIS showed us that in the case of close proximity, investigations and arrests are only made if there are reports. Thus, the claim that these laws have indiscriminately allow spying by religious authorities is baseless. In actual truth, these are the avenues for societies to curb immoral activities by certain factions who blatantly disregards the sensitivities of their neighbours and goes on with their raunchy activities.
G25 is reportedly to be of former high ranking government officers and so it is a surprise as to why they kept failing to learn more about Islamic principles of governance. In this matter, their total disregard of the principle of HISBAH in Islam is very much regretted. All their statements are solely based on the principles of human rights and placing Islam relative to the needs of mankind rather than as the absolute truth.
Hisbah in Islam is the divinely sanctioned duty of the ruler (government) to intervene and coercively “command right and forbid wrong” in order to keep everything in order according to Sharia, the laws of Allah.
The Quranic verses which touches the concept of ‘Amar Ma’ruf Nahi Mungkar’ (Enjoining Good Forbidding Evil) are proofs showing that Hisbah is divinely sanctioned. The verses are
Aali-Imran verse 104 & 110
At-Taubah verse 71
Al-Haj, verse 41
Al-Maidah verse 78-79
The prophetic traditions also indicate that HISBAH is divinely sanctioned and its implementation is required by Sharia. As such, an Islamic ruler can also choose to elect a trustable officer or Muhtasib in the call towards the enjoining of good and the forbidding of wrong.
The concept of hisbah is very clearly explained by Dr Abdul Karim Zaidan in his book, Usul Da’wah. Sheikh Abdul Karim Zaidan’s writings are well known and acknowledged worldwide. Some are even used as syllabus in universities. For his book “Al-Mausu’ah Al-fiqhiyyah lil mar’ah” (the encyclopedia for rulings regarding women and the muslim family), Sheikh Abdul Karim was also awarded with the Malik Faisal International award for Islamic Studies in 1997.
Surely, as Muslims, prior to criticizing Islamic Law, prior even, to referring to United Nations declaration on Human Rights or other charters on human rights, we should first refer to the scholars and experts in Islam. Likewise, G25 should be humble enough to do so.
Dr Rafidah Hanim Mokhtar
Dr Siti Nurhayati Adznan
WANITA ISMA
