Why are Christians
regarded as a “threat” by some Muslims, not only by extremists like Hassan Ali
but even by the Johore Education department which is under the Minister of
Education, Datuk Muhyiddin Yassin?
Are the Muslims (including Datuk Sri Najib),
who studied in many Christian mission schools established by the sacrifice and
generosity of the Christian churches, being threatened or did they benefit from
the wholesome quality education?
Are the Muslims, who seek treatment in a
number of hospitals run by Christian missions, being threatened or did they
receive the healing touch of the medical and nursing staff?
Are the Muslims with dadah addiction, who
are being rehabilitated in Christian Drug Rehabilitation centres, being
threatened or did they receive freedom from their addition?
Are the Muslim HIV patients who received
treatment in Christian homes, being threatened or did they receive compassion
and treatment for their deadly disease?
Are the divorced or widowed Muslim women, who
received financial aid from Christian social organizations being threatened or
did they receive useful support for their family?
After all Christians are obeying the command
given by Jesus Christ (called Isa Al-Masih by Muslims) to “love our neighbours
as ourselves”, regardless of race or creed. Christians should not prevent
anyone from receiving their assistance. Some years ago, Datuk Marina Mahathir
said that “victims” are not concerned about which religion is helping them as
long as the organization provides assistance to their needs.
It is possible that some of them are so
touched by the compassion and care shown by Christians that they would like to
be part of the Christian faith. Out of 16 million Malays, there could be a few
who are attracted to the Christian faith, just as there are many more who are
interested in the Shia and Sufi traditions or even turn to worldly pursuits. After
all, the Christian faith started in the Middle East (just like the Islam faith),
then spread to Europe and the west, and then came to Asia. There are still more
than 20 million Christians in the Arab countries and another 20 million
Christians in Indonesia.
Christians would not be truthful to their
faith if they believe that Malays should be “prohibited” from becoming
Christians if they choose willingly. Of
course, they should not be influenced by unethical or illegal means. Most
Christian churches are aware of the laws in Malaysia which restrict propagation
of other religions to Malays. However this does not prevent them, like all other
Malaysians who have the freedom of choice in religion under Article 11(1) of
the Constitution. This was declared in the Supreme Court judgment in 1987 in
the case of Joshua Jamalluddin, Malay who was put in jail under the ISA for
becoming a Christian.
In fact, most churches in Malaysia are now hesitant
to allow Muslims to receive their social and economic help for fear that their
services would be disrupted or banned by the authorities. Recently in the “soup
kitchens” run by some churches to feed the poor, signs are being displayed “for
Non-Muslims only”! This would betray the all-inclusive commandment given by our
Lord Jesus Christ to love all, even our enemies!
Why was the “blurring of the faces and the
use of false names” done in the video shown by Hassan Ali? Has there been any threat from Christians or
churches to those who have “decided” to return to Islam? Were there any threats
from Christian families when their spouses or children covert to Islam?
When churches were burnt after the High
Court judgment in favour of the Church being allowed to use “Allah” in their
publication, did the Christians threaten the country? Even the throwing of
pig’s head into a mosque was probably done by Muslims.
When Christian “bodies” were being snatched
during the funeral mourning, did the Christians run to the streets to protest
violently?
When their Bahasa Malaysia Bibles were
confiscated for several years, did the Christians threaten with violent action?
All the Christians did were to pray - not
only for ourselves but also for the government. Each Sunday, most churches
would pray for the welfare and health of our Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, the
Sultans, the Cabinet ministers and Mentri Besars. Yes we do pray for God to
bestow wisdom on our government to rule the country with justice, freedom and
welfare of the people.
We also pray that the love and compassion
Christian churches have shown to all who are in need, including Muslims, will
not be considered as a threat but as a blessing to the country. Allow their
services be part of the contributions Christians can share towards the
betterment of the less fortunate, no matter what race or religion they belong
to.
“You have heard that it was said
‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you ‘Love your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in
heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45
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