"Islam Prefers Discussions To Debates" - Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria

• Islam Prefers Discussions To Debates

  KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- Islam prefers "muzakarah" or discussions to "mujadalah" or debates over the issue of unity of the ummah (Muslim community), said Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria.
  
  He said Islam also did not reject debates for Muslims to present their arguments when facing non-Muslim individuals and groups on matters related to faith.
  
  "In Islam, it is better to sit at the discussion table to resolve issues (towards forging unity of the ummah) rather than to debate on the issues," said the mufti when contacted by Bernama Monday.
  
  He was asked to comment on the challenge thrown by PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for an open debate on issues involving PAS and Umno.
  
  The challenge came about after the opposition rejected the proposal by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for PAS and Umno to hold talks on a unity government.
  
  Nik Aziz who strongly objected to the proposed unity government talks was reported to have said that a debate was the prophet's way during the time of Moses coming face-to-face with Pharaoh.
  
  "A debate is appropriate when you want to present your arguments to a non-Muslim, for example, on faith. But in this case, we are seeking a way to unity (among Muslims), so we should focus on discussions," said Harussani.
  
  "We can also debate on policies but this is about unity," he added.
  
  Several non-governmental organisations and individuals including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad have urged Najib not to entertain Nik Aziz's challenge for an open debate, saying it would be a waste of time and would not benefit anyone.
  
  Universiti Malaya's media and communications lecturer, Assoc Prof Dr Abu Hassan Hasbullah, however, opined that both discussions and debates were important in finding a common ground on any matter.
  
  "It is like two trains stopping at the same station," he said, adding that the effort should be viewed as a process of unifying people and not creating animosity.
  
  "Civilisation was also built on these two processes (discussions and debates). In fact, Parliament is also based on these and they complement each other," said Abu Hassan.
  
  However, he said, the effort would only be successful if both parties were really sincere in finding a common ground over the issue of unity.
  
  "But the question is, how far both parties, especially PAS, are willing to go in the interest of Malay unity," he added.
  
  
  
  -- BERNAMA