5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

THE STRAITS TIMES

Forget the 'moderate' label, judge

consistency of thinking
Norshahril Saat

 PUBLISHED APR 30, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT

Recently, the Malaysian public was divided on the government's decision to allow a controversial
Mumbai-born Islamic preacher, Dr Zakir Naik, to speak in the country.

Some alleged that in 2006, he openly expressed support for Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, though
he later claimed that his words were taken out of context. Despite initial scepticism, the Malaysian
government not only allowed Dr Zakir to speak in Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu and Malacca, but he also
had an audience with Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Some Malaysian ministers regarded him as a "wise" scholar and a "voice of moderation". In fact, so
persuasive was Dr Zakir during his talks that several non-Muslims converted to Islam after listening to
him.

By contrast, human rights activists and academics cautioned that Dr Zakir is capable of stirring hate
towards non-Muslims in the country. Some have even called for the charismatic preacher to be
deported. The label "moderate" is akin to a passport for a theologian to speak in public in Malaysia. But
how does one define a moderate, and is the definition in use accurate?

Given the global ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) threat today, many have spoken up against
terrorism, and they are referred to as moderates. The term "moderate" has gained so much currency
that in Malaysia a foundation named Global Movement of Moderates Foundation was formed. The
patron of the foundation is none other than the Prime Minister himself, and its chief executive officer,
Mr Nasharuddin Mat Isa, the former deputy president of PAS (Islamic Party of Malaysia). In many
Muslim countries today, even many of the most conservative Muslims have joined the moderates'
bandwagon simply by declaring ISIS un-Islamic, even though they may also be the ones, in other
instances, discouraging the participation of women in the public sphere, belittling the West as a
civilisation in decline, denying religious minorities their right to practise their faith, and demanding - in
place of secularism - a separate Islamic way of life.

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 1/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

The site of the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel in the Syrian city of Palmyra after it was destroyed by Islamic State in
Iraq and Syria (ISIS) extremists. Just denouncing the ISIS as un-Islamic does not make a person a moderate. One
must also evaluate the consistency of that person's actions. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Defining moderation is a complex matter. Therefore, one should not label a person moderate just
because he condemns ISIS or Al-Qaeda. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to do so, regardless of other
prejudicial statements the person may have said or written in the past.

The criteria for "moderate" Muslims must be expanded, so as to evaluate the consistency of a person's
ideas. For example, a person who has published a scholarly piece condemning terrorism, or
highlighting the problematic nexus between jihad (struggle) and holy war, can be considered a
moderate in this regard. He is moderate for upholding the value of human life. Yet, we should also ask if
the same person showcases similar respect for sexual minorities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender persons? What is his position on freedom to believe? Does he resort to hate speech? In
other words, a moderate is correct to condemn terror, but he must also not be sectarian, racist or
chauvinist.

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 2/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

In addition, a moderate person must be concerned not only about human-to-human relations; he must
also demonstrate high regard for the environment and property. Therefore, a moderate must be judged
by virtue of upholding Islam's universal values, and that encompass security for all citizens, freedom of
belief, and security of private property. He is not a moderate if he exploits his subordinates at his
workplace or enriches himself with personal wealth at the expense of the poor.

A genuine moderate is a person who respects diversity of opinions. Muslims have to accept that there
are different views on matters of theology. If a theologian claims that only his view represents the
essence of the Quran, then one should listen to his ideas with a pinch of salt. In Islam, no one should
claim to have exclusive rights to interpret Islam's holiest book. Someone claiming exclusive rights to
interpret religious texts may end up belittling other interpretations or religions. For example, while
Muslims believe in one God, a moderate must not deny the rights of others who trust in many gods, or
even those who believe that no God exists.

It is also in the spirit of moderation that I think the Malaysian government was correct in not banning
someone as controversial as Dr Zakir from speaking in the country. Curtailing him could mean denying
freedom of expression, especially when he steered clear of hate speech throughout his stay in Malaysia.
Genuine moderates should instead take Dr Zakir to task and engage his ideas, rather than lobby for him
to be banned.

All in all, a moderate Muslim should not only possess noble qualities within his own circles, but must
also gain a respectable reputation among non-Muslims, regardless of their race, gender or age. It is only
befitting to confer the term "moderate" on someone whose qualities encompass all that is good in Islam.

• The writer is a fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and researches on Malaysia and Indonesia
politics.

ST VIDEOS

ChewOnIt: Singapore's new ERP system

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 3/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

ChewOnIt: The rise in childcare enrolment

China's currency devaluation and the global economy

Hepatitis C: Before the next outbreak threatens...

MORE VIDEOS

BRANDINSIDER

Read the latest ST Specials and Supplements right here!

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 4/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

Behind the scenes of landscape design

Why Sembawang is such a great neighbourhood to live in

Fernvale: A new star is born

SPONSORED CONTENT

Beyond IT: Share your ideas & win attractive prizes

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 5/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

Natural setting lower stress

SHOPPING
Limited To The First 1,000 Redeemers Every Mon From 5pm.

Chic Premium Dress For Casual and Work - See More!

Cleanse & Detox - Better Health, Better Physique, Better You!

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 6/7
5/9/2016 Forget the 'moderate' label, judge consistency of thinking, Opinion News & Top Stories ­ The Straits Times

Replenish, Strengthen And Revitalize - Avalon Crystal Plure

MORE DEALS ON Qoo10

SPH Digital News / Copyright © 2015 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn. No. 198402868E.
All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions | Data Protection Policy

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forget­the­moderate­label­judge­consistency­of­thinking 7/7