SHAH ALAM – Muallafs (Muslims converts) play an important role as a bridge connecting people of different races and religions in Malaysia, helping to strengthen understanding and harmony in a multicultural society.
Al Khaadem organisation founder and president Datuk Dr Sheikh Hussain Yee said muallafs, as new Muslims who previously came from different religious and cultural backgrounds, often were able to understand both sides of a diverse community.
He said this understanding allowed them to act as intermediaries in explaining the true values of Islam to their families and the wider community.
“Alhamdulillah, as a muallaf myself, I have no problem with my family. Of course, before someone embraces Islam, there is fear. What will they say? Will they cut ties with me and so on.
“When someone has the correct knowledge, such things will not happen. I am very grateful to have received proper guidance from good scholars who showed the way that family will always remain our family. We cannot cut ties with our family.
“Islam comes to unite, not to divide. We have the freedom to choose what we want to believe, but we do not have the right to sever family ties,” he said.
He said this in a Fireside Chat session during the “Table for Unity: Ramadan in Diversity” programme held at the Karangkraf Complex, here, last Friday.
The programme also featured Transport Minister Anthony Loke as a panellist and was moderated by Farouq Daniel Dzulastra.
It concluded with a breaking-of-fast session attended by Loke, who sat cross-legged on mats alongside other participants.
Hussain said there were still misconceptions among some members of society who believed that embracing Islam meant changing one’s ethnic identity.
He said a person remained with their original identity even after embracing Islam.
“Some think that embracing Islam in this country means becoming Malay. No. I am still Chinese because a person cannot change their race or identity. What changes is only the religion.
“Religion does not belong to any race. Islam belongs to Allah SWT,” he said.
He added that proper religious guidance and knowledge were crucial in ensuring family relationships remained intact despite differences in faith.
“Alhamdulillah, when we have the correct guidance and knowledge, it helps us remain united,” he said.
He said Islam also taught its followers to always do good and help one another.
“In Malaysia, we should always be ready to help one another to do what is right, say what is right and bring people closer to Allah SWT. Allah SWT wants peace.
“That is why the best greeting is Assalamualaikum, which means peace be upon you,” Hussain said.
He added that Islam also emphasised the importance of respecting others and advising them kindly when mistakes occurred.
“If we know someone is doing something wrong, we should help them become better.
“No human being is perfect. We all have our own weaknesses,” he said.