Isis 'trampled' on Islam's image, says Anwar

 

Islam is still being hampered by efforts to destroy its image, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim citing the the controversial Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis).

Speaking on the eve of Aidil Adha, he said such efforts were clearly against the principles of Islam and results in tarnishing the faith.

"While we celebrate this important holy day, we continue to be hampered by various agenda that are trampling on the image of Islam in the eyes of the world, for example the issue of Isis that  became a hot topic recently.

"Such goals clearly contradict the principles of Islamic justice, and actually tarnish the image of Islam under the guise of championing the  Islamic agenda," said Anwar in his Aidil Adha message today.

He said this was the result of "failing to understand Islam in a holistic manner".

"This is what was stressed by the late Hasan al-Hudaybi, 'Establish Islam within yourself, and surely it will be strengthened in your motherland'," he said.

The subject of Isis has stirred hornets' nests in Malaysia, with Prime Minister Najib Razak initially mistepping by reportedly praising the movement's strugge, and PAS leaders contradicting one another on their stand on the terrorist movement.

The Prime Minister’s Office subsequently issued a statement claiming that Najib’s speech had been taken out of context.

Following this, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang has asked Najib to move a motion in the coming October Parliament session to condemn Isis.

Anwar, meanwhile,also spoke on the importance of the holy day and the fundamental philosophy behind the act of sacrifice, that is "sincerity and gratitude".

In his message he also commented on the necessity for justice regardless of race, quoting from the scriptures, "...Don't for a moment let your hatred towards a particular race compel you towards not doing justice."

"In reality, all beings are equal in the eyes of god."