In a recent address at the national-level Maulidur Rasul 1445 Hijrah/2023 celebration, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, issued a cautionary message to Muslims regarding their presence on social media. He emphasized the importance of portraying Islam as a balanced and moderate faith, steering clear of any extremist ideologies.
Minister Na’im underscored that promoting Islam as an extreme belief system on social media platforms contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He urged Muslims to exercise restraint and avoid presenting Islam in an overly rigid or uncompromising manner.
In today’s world of social media, it is essential not to portray Islam as an overly sanctified or extremist faith,” Minister Na’im asserted during the event at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. He stressed that Prophet Muhammad’s teachings emphasized mutual respect, open-mindedness, and upholding moral values, especially when encountering differing opinions.
This counsel extends beyond religious matters and encompasses content related to current affairs, legal issues, and religious discussions on social media. Minister Na’im pointed out that Muftis and state religious departments serve as authorities in religious matters, and fatwas (religious decrees) play a crucial role in providing guidance and resolving religious and legal confusions that may arise in society.
Expressing hope that such guidance would help mitigate issues such as slander, disputes, and divisive behavior within the community, Minister Na’im encouraged Muslims to reflect on the significance of Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on the occasion of his birthday celebration.
Earlier in the event, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah delivered a reminder to Muslims about the importance of truthfulness and the avoidance of spreading falsehoods. He highlighted that the culture of slander has historically led to the downfall of civilizations, the decline of great powers, and tragic events in Islamic history.
The event was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, emphasizing the collective commitment to promoting a balanced and harmonious interpretation of Islam in today’s interconnected world.