Nurul Izzah and Sura Al Baqarah verse 256


The interpretation given by Nurul Izzah recently on the above verse really shocked me.

This coming from a daughter of Anwar Ibrahim well known for his being an Islamic activist in his younger days. He was a key leader of PKPIM (Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar2 Islam Malaysia)  ABIM (Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia) was formed through his strong efforts.

His Islamic credentials are so strong that it is no surprise that he will and have many powerful friends in West Asia in particular and the Islamic World in general.

Now to have Anwar's daughter saying that Muslims are free to change to other religions similar to Non Muslims is a real setback to Anwar's image as an Islamist.


Verse 256 of Al Baqarah has always been used by the Christians.  Even the Pope as head of Catholic Church has said that there is no compulsion in Islam on religion based on the verse.  This implies that a Muslim can renounced his Islamic faith and convert to another religion say Evangelism or Catholic.  This is far from the truth.

In Islam a Muslim who is an apostate i.e. one who convert to another religion is punishable by death.There is no two way about it.  But a non Muslim is free to become a Muslim.  This is the gist of Surah Al Baqarah verse 256.

Prophet Muhammad's (PBUB) Last Sermon

After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people".

SUKMA: FATIN SWEEPS THREE OF FOUR GOLD MEDALS IN RYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

SUKMA: Fatin Jalany Sweeps Three Of Four Gold Medals At Stake In Rhythmic Gumnastics

KUANTAN, July 16 (Bernama) -- Federal Territories gymnast Fatin Zakirah Jalany Zain Jalany was the darling of the 15th Pahang SUKMA when she ruled supreme in the rhythmic gymnastics events, sweeping five of the six gold medals offered in the women's competition.

In today's individual routines, Fatin Jalany swept three of the four gold medals at stake, winning the ball, clubs and hoop while her team-mate Tan Qing Tong made it a clean sweep for Federal Territories by winning the ribbon gold.

Fatin Jalany who had already won two gold medals through the team event and overall individual, took the silver in the ribbon routine.

"I am extremely delighted with my performance today although my target was to win all four gold medals. But though I did not win the fourth, I am happy to see that another gymnast from my team had won it," she told reporters here.

The 15-year-old Fatin Jalany from the Bukit Jalil Sports School who first competed in the 2010 Melaka SUKMA hopes to improve her performances to stake a serious claim for medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Sydney, Australia.

-- BERNAMA

MANDAILING DANCE AND DRUMS TO BECOME NATIONAL HERITAGE - RAIS

Mandailing Dance And Drums To Become National Heritage - Rais

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- The Tor-tor dance and the Gordang Sambilan (Nine Great Drums) of the Mandailing community will be acknowledged as national heritage soon.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said these would be registered under Section 67 of the National Heritage Act 2005.

"But (the acknowledgement) is with conditions such as periodic performances must be held, which means that the dance must be presented while various beats of the drums must be played in front of the public," he told reporters after launching a Mandailing community gathering, here, Thursday.

Rais said promoting Mandailing arts and culture was important because it could expose their origins, besides fostering unity with the other communities.

In line with the 1Malaysia concept, the efforts by the Mandailings to highlight their arts and culture have been endorsed by the ministry to be recognised and exposed to the Malaysian public.

-- BERNAMA

PNB, Khazanah to transfer 10 businesses to Bumis

PUTRAJAYA: Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Khazanah Nasional will sell or outsource 10 non-core businesses to suitable bumiputra companies to increase Bumiputra equity, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the bumiputra companies would be selected from among the 80 high-performing companies through an open tender process.

Najib said this, along with other announcements, after chairing the Bumiputera Agenda Action Council meeting at his office.

“We will request PNB and Khazanah to undergo a divestment process on their non-core businesses, which have a potential to be managed by qualified Bumiputra companies,” Najib said.

The number of high-performing companies, known as Teras, were selected based on their field of business.
The Teras companies, said Najib, were given assistance to boost their management, financial, and technological abilities.

He also announced the appointment of Raja Azura Raja Mahayuddin as the chief executive officer of a multi-million dollar education foundation for Bumiputra students to be funded by corporate sponsors.