GEORGETOWN - Penang Mufit Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor has said that Islam can only be upheld through good governance and the people's practice of a prosperous way of life.
He said that any individual or group that claims to be fighting for Islam must show their commitment in real life, such as through social justice, equality, poverty eradication, and the fight against corruption and evil.
"What matters is that all Islamic teachings are incorporated into the governance of the country and the lives of its citizens.
"In a diverse country like Malaysia, publicising the fight to uphold Islam may be less wise," he said.
Wan Salim made these remarks when asked to comment on the statements of Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, who had reportedly labeled two representatives of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state as fighting the Islamic cause.
Mohd Nassuruddin has since clarified that he was referring to the two representatives as fighting for an Islamic cause, not against Islam itself.
Wan Salim also stressed the importance of distinguishing between Islam and Islamic political parties.
"Islam is a sacred mission of God's revelation. Every Muslim must be bound by His religion (Islam) from the perspective of the creed (faith) nor practice by obeying all the laws set forth in the Quran and the Sunnah Nabawiyyah," he said.
He added that Islamic political parties are human creations that are formed to fight for Islam or to carry out all of Islam's teachings through the government of the country.
"Because an Islamic party is a human creation and lacks the element of holiness, it does not bind a Muslim," he said.
As a result, anyone who does not support the Islamic party or votes for another party is not wicked.
"It is only the attitude that drives one to equate human design with God's creations. I do not favor any political party, I do not want to be associated with politics.
"The explanation I give is solely based on Islamic teachings, nothing more. I hope that with this explanation, it is not misinterpreted and will not be politicised by any political party," he said.