Malaysian politics took a bizarre turn after PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that those who join or support the party have guaranteed their spot in heaven.
The claim has since attracted condemnation from several parties, including former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa and most recently, Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar.
‘You’re not the immigration counter for Heaven’
In a statement full of sarcastic jibes, Mahfuz held nothing back in calling out PAS for the claim, saying that it was irresponsible for a political party to use the hereafter to garner votes.
“PAS can ask the people to support or vote for it. But PAS has never been given the mandate by Allah to determine who will enter heaven. Heaven does not belong to PAS but to Allah.
PAS should not act as though it is the gatekeeper of heaven — those who vote for PAS are allowed through the gates, while those who do not are told to wait outside.”
Mahfuz added that if one were to use the “vote for PAS to get to heaven” argument, it begs the question of when did a ballot paper get deemed as a “passport” to the afterlife and PAS being given the power to decide who enters heaven.
“PAS’ office is not an immigration counter for the afterlife, where you get a “heaven” stamp upon showing your membership certificate and ballot vote.”
‘Gives wrong image of Islam’
The former Pokok Sena MP also urged politicians to avoid “turning heaven into currency for buying votes” in order to secure power.
He added that in Islam, a person’s standing in the eyes of Allah is determined by faith, piety, good deeds, justice, trustworthiness and the mercy of Allah alone.
“More worryingly, statements like this could create the perception that Muslims who opt for other parties rather than PAS are on the wrong path and will not enter heaven.
“If voting for PAS is a ticket to heaven, how about Muslims who do not vote for PAS? Does that mean Muslims who are not members, do not vote for and do not support PAS will be condemned to hell?”
Mahfuz also criticised Takiyuddin for making the claim, saying it was an unhealthy method of incorporating Islam into politics.
If PAS truly wants to make politics a struggle for Islam, then it should focus on trust, justice, corruption, poverty, education, the welfare of the people and the morality of governance.
“Demonstrate it through administration and actions, rather than claiming that supporting a political party is a ticket to the afterlife. That is not Takiyuddin’s right. It is not PAS’ right. It is the absolute right of Allah.”
