Reconstruction of Religious Pluralism or Muhibah Value?  A Comparative Study in Malaysia: Rekonstruksi Faham Pluralisme Agama atau Muhibah? Satu Kajian Perbandingan di Malaysia

Marina Munira Abdul Mutalib; Mashitah Sulaiman; Roslizawati Ramly; Khatijah Othman; Yuseri Ahmad

doi:10.33102/jsi2019.4.2.06

Authors

Marina Munira Abdul Mutalib DR
Mashitah Sulaiman DR
Roslizawati Ramly
Khatijah Othman
Yuseri Ahmad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/jsi2019.4.2.06

Keywords:

Religious pluralism, Muhibah, plural society, Malaysia.

Abstract

A scholar affirms that “the pluralistic arrangement” has proven to be a source of socio-political tension rather than a solution. A number of prominent social scientists in the West have yet to suggest that the idea of religious pluralism, is the best way of dealing with diversity, together with its essential values. However, the situation in Malaysia has shown a different scenario. This paper will look into those elements proposed by the Western scholars to be the overriding values of religious pluralism in maintaining a harmonious living among people of different religions. In doing so, this paper will present the ideas of the Malaysian scholars of what they understood as the essence of “majmuk” or living in a plural society as a response to the Western idea of religious pluralism. This will highlight one of the objectives of this paper which is to present selected writings and opinions of Muslims and Christians social scientists in Malaysia on the discourse of religious pluralism. The study has undergone a series of interview to Muslim and Christian scholars. Based on the findings, it is noted that some scholars proved that religious pluralism discourse in Malaysia is contestable. This is due to its link to the Western modern philosophy and secularism. Finally, it also consults meaningful recommendations given by the scholars in facing the challenges of living together as one family in “Muhibah”.

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Interviews

Excerpt from the interview with Muhammad Kamal Hassan, Distinguished Professor at International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), on May 17, 2016 (Monday).

Excerpt from the interview with Haslina Ibrahim, Associate Professor at Kuliyyah of Usuluddin and Comparative Religion, International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), on May 5, 2016 (Thursday).

Excerpt from the interview with Yusri Muhammad, Chairman of YADIM (Yayasan Dakwah Islamiyyah Malaysia) at YADIM’s office at Kompleks Pusat Islam, Jalan Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, on June 20, 2016 (Monday).

Excerpt from the interview with Muhammad Hashim Kamali, The Founding CEO of International Institute of Advance Islamic Studies Malaysia (IAIS) on May 23, 2016 (Monday) at his office Jalan llmu, Off Jalan University, 59100, Kuala Lumpur.

Excerpt from the interview with Chandra Muzaffar, Director of International Movement for a JUST World on June 23, 2016 (Monday) at lot 1066, Jalan SS22/43, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Excerpt from the interview with Tan Kong Beng, the Executive Secretary of Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) on Nov 19, 2014 (Wednesday) at the CFM’s main office, 10 Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Excerpt from the interview with Eugene Yapp, the Secretary General of National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia (NECF) on Wednesday, (Dec 17th, 2014) at the NECF main office, 32, Jalan SS2/103, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Excerpt from the interview with Pastor David Chong, a representative of Presbyterian Church, on Monday (April 20, 2015), at the City Discipleship Presbyterian Church, W-10-2, Subang Square Business Centre, Jalan SS15/4G Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor.