Don't cut ties due to politics - Penang Mufti

GEORGETOWN - Muslims are reminded not to be too extreme in politics to the point of breaking family ties.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said Islam prioritised loving relationships between siblings and other members of their race, not only immediate family members but also extended ones.

He said several verses in the Quran and hadiths oblige the relationship between brothers, sisters and relatives and forbid the act of severing such relationship.

"In Rasulullah's hadith, whoever believes in Allah and the day of judgment should establish bonds of love between relatives," (Muttafaq 'alaih).

"There is also a hadith that states connecting relationships can lead to longevity and a good livelihood.

"Severing a relationship is one of the major sins, there is a hadith stating that a person who does so will not enter paradise (Muttfaq 'alaih)," he said in a statement here on Tuesday.

Wan Salim commented further that relationships should not be broken for any reason, even if one is hurt or mistreated by other siblings or relatives.

He said what should be done in the situation was to talk things out and give good advice before continuing the relationship with them.

He stated if there were those performing immoral acts and did not want to receive advice, then it was permissible and even obligatory for them to be isolated to have them repent.

"It is forbidden for relationships to be broken due to differences in political views or supporting different political parties.

"Political parties are not a creation of Allah that is pure from fault and blame, but it is a methodology based on human thought to dominate the reign of government with a specific goal to achieve.

"Anything that is engineered by humans surely has its weaknesses and shortcomings. Therefore, it is not appropriate for differences to lead into a division among Muslims, especially when it becomes a factor that destroys relationships between family members, siblings and relatives," he added.

He urged political party leaders in the country, be it government or the opposition, to explain the matter to their followers and that they should not become individuals that sparks the division between Muslims.

He said all parties must strengthen the unity of Muslims, even among fellow Malaysians from different races and religions.