PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has courted controversy after he claimed that those who join the party have guaranteed their entry into heaven in the afterlife.
In a report by FMT, Takiyuddin was reported to have said that if a person loses their life while defending Islam, they would be regarded as martyrs, receive divine blessings and enter heaven.
He added that though the phrase “joining PAS means entering heaven” may be used as a tool to mock PAS by its political opponents, he maintained that the party’s struggle was based on Islam and aligned with teachings commanded by Allah.
Joining PAS in that way, God willing, we can enter heaven when we die. That is certain, ladies and gentlemen,” he was quoted as saying.
The Kota Bharu MP and PN secretary-general also claimed PAS had the support of religious scholars, as well as boasting of one million members nationwide, which doesn’t include those from overseas and non-members.
Divided reactions
Takiyuddin’s claim drew a sharp rebuke from former religious affairs minister and Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who slammed it as “baseless” and said PAS was narrowing the concept of Allah’s mercy by linking it to party support.
Mujahid also asked whether PAS, a party that labels fellow Muslims as munafik (hypocrites) and is often tangled in slander and lies for political power, could claim to be leading people towards Allah’s mercy.
“I urge the authorities to take appropriate action if the remarks are found to be insulting or exploiting the religion.
“If Takiyuddin had no intention of making such a claim, he should issue an apology to party members and all Muslims,” he added.
However, Takiyuddin found support in Umno ulama council deputy chairman Khairuddin Aman Razali, who said there was nothing erroneous as Takiyuddin was just reiterating the way to attain rewards and paradise through politics.
In a statement, the former PAS leader wrote that if there are actions by the party, its individuals or its leaders that are not aligned with Islam, then the rewards and sins should be assessed based on each specific offense.
“If so, these actions must be criticised and corrected from time to time because no one is immune to making mistakes. This principle also applies to any other Muslim party that champions the same cause,” he added.
PAS is no stranger to making controversial remarks, where it has attracted both mockery and head-scratching from Malaysians:
