SHAH ALAM - The violent act of hurling petrol bombs at KK Mart convenience stores is against Islamic teachings.
Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said in Islam, responding to crimes with further criminal acts was not allowed.
He said every religion, especially Islam, prohibits leaving any form of punishment for wrongdoing in the hands of individuals.
"So, throwing bombs (at KK Mart) purportedly in the name of defending religion actually tarnishes the name of Islam.
"In Islam, it is clearly stated that wrongdoings cannot be retaliated with further wrongdoings," he told Sinar.
He was commenting on two incidents of petrol bombs being hurled at KK Mart convenience stores in Kuantan, Pahang on Saturday and in Bidor, Perak on March 26.
Shukri said Malaysia has its own laws and regulations based on the principles of the Rukun Negara, which must be upheld by all citizens, regardless of whether they are Muslims or not.
"Therefore, while these laws are aimed at upholding public order, peace will remain elusive if individuals choose to take matters into their own hands, thus disregarding the law.
"When problems or actions that violate the law arise, the authorities will undoubtedly take appropriate action," he said.
However, Shukri said he hoped that the authorities would investigate carefully to identify the perpetrators of these incidents, as he feared that certain parties might take advantage of the circumstances to undermine and tarnish the image of Islam.
"All sorts of possibilities can arise and perhaps these acts were carried out by certain individuals who want to further tarnish the image of Islam.
"But if Muslims themselves resort to throwing bombs, such actions are not permitted by the religion," he added.