'Play vital role in providing academic input on Islamic principles' - Pas VP

SHAH ALAM – Pas Ulama Council members have been urged to constantly improve their knowledge to help translate Islamic principles more realistically and practically.

This is important because of the prevailing skepticism by the public, who still regard the Ulama as only discussing matters concerning halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden).

For example, there is a need for a thorough explanation of Islam's position on same-sex marriage and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

“The condition laid down is that marriage must involve a man and a woman, as marriage inherently involves two genders, but in today's world, issues related to same-sex marriage by the LGBT community have emerged,” said Pas Vice-President Datuk Seri Mohd Amar Abdullah when officiating the 62nd Ulama Council Muktamar today.

He also disclosed that there were even bizarre discussions on humans marrying animals and giving birth to offspring, with many questioning the slaughter of these offspring.

"What remains for us today is how to delve into the knowledge found in scholarly books and view it in a contemporary context and the need to look at it from today's perspective," he said.

"We need to play a vital role in providing academic input so that we can move forward, whether it is development or a government governed by Islamic principles.

"That is the most important thing, in my opinion," Amar said.