15-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Islam doesn't promote hatred, SIS tells Terengganu govt
A signboard warning against homosexuality put up by the Kuala Terengganu City Council. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : A women's rights group today questioned the Terengganu government's defence of a signboard warning against homosexuality, saying Islam does not promote hatred.
In a statement, Sisters in Islam (SIS) said the religion instead promotes counsel, reflection, and moral responsibility guided by compassion.
It also said the Quran commands Muslims to invite others to the path of God with wisdom.
'Promoting hatred, especially in areas frequented by the youth and university students, sows fear, stigma, and possibly violence.
'This is not dakwah – this is dangerous,' it said.
SIS's comments followed reports of a signboard erected by the Kuala Terengganu City Council warning against homosexuality.
The signboard features two male stick figures holding hands, surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart. It also features a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations.
State executive councillor Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah defended the signboard, saying it was aimed at getting the public to 'hate' homosexuality.
However, SIS said the verse used to condemn homosexuality was meant to describe a particular behaviour in a specific historical context, and was not blanket instruction for public punishment or hate campaigns.
'Weaponising verses to justify hatred while ignoring verses that uphold justice, mercy, and humility is a bias of Islam's balanced teachings,' it said.
It also questioned the intent behind the enforcement of several religious policies in Terengganu, asking if they reflected genuine Islamic values.
SIS said the state's policies appeared to be increasingly focussed on publicly controlling personal behaviour, especially that of Muslim women and marginalised groups.
'What is the true intention behind these policies? Are they grounded in Islamic ethics or an increasingly politicised and punitive interpretation of religion?'
