Irshad Manji's books banned

PETALING JAYA - Home Ministry has banned liberal Muslim author Irshad Manji's books titled "Allah, Liberty and Love" and its Malay translation "Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta." Deputy Minister Datuk Abu Seman Yusop said the action is taken under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 as its content could create public alarm and be prejudicial to public security and order.

He said the ministry has received a report from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) which has studied the two books.

"Jakim has found out the publications contain elements which could confuse the public and against the Syariah as stated in the Quran and Hadith.

"Among others, its views saying mixed marriage between Muslims and non-Muslims is permissible can lead to religious pluralism. It also insulted Prophet Muhammad who was depicted in situations that may tarnish the sanctity of Islam," he said in a statement released tonight.

Abu Seman also said the book creates confusion as it also claimed Muslims can perform the five daily prayers in many ways and using other languages.

"The publication also called for a purely logical point in the concept of ijtihad (the process of making a legal decision by independent interpretation of the legal sources) and a rejection of the concept of ijmak (consensus).

"This would encourage the interpretation of religious laws that do not adhere to the authoritative texts of the Quran and Hadith," he added. (...)