In a recent post that’s been making waves online, human rights activist @sitizkasim has sparked a storm on Instagram by sharing her thoughts about a well-known local preacher.
In her video, Siti criticised the double standards of those who present themselves as religious figures while labelling liberal and pro-secular Muslims as a threat to Islam.
“Stop meddling in the lives of liberals”
Siti Kasim specifically called out prominent preacher Ustaz Kazim Elias, who has been vocally criticising secularism and liberal Islam.
In her response, she expressed her pride in being liberal and pro-secular, emphasising that she respects everyone’s beliefs and won’t condemn anyone for what they choose to believe.
“I’m a proud liberal and totally supportive of secularism. I think we should accept whatever beliefs you have. We’re not here to judge anyone, but it feels like you (preachers) all want to push your views onto others,” she said.
The preacher accused liberal Muslims of misleading people
Siti Kasim is referencing a video that was posted a while ago on YouTube titled “Liberals Are Becoming More Active in Making Muslims Doubt,” where he criticised liberal Muslims for confusing people about the true teachings of Islam.
However, she voiced her disagreement, pointing out that “many of those caught in scandals like sexual assault or scams are often well-known religious figures or influencers who portray themselves as pious”.
“Those investigated for enslaving children, too, are similarly ustaz portraying a religious image yet there is no slogan of Islam being threatened,” she added.
“Don’t try to blame people like us”
Siti Kasim then called out Kazim Elias and his crew, pointing out that it’s really them who are attacking or embarrassing Islam, not liberals or pro-secular individuals.
“It’s the religious bigots who are shaming Islam, not liberals. This is what we should be discussing. Don’t try to blame people like us who just want to do good and never claim to be religious or act like we’re Islamic scholars. We’re just trying to live our best lives in this world.”
She went on to express that God is great and that He is revealing how some preachers are the ones undermining Islam through their behaviour and actions.
“I want to remind Kazim Elias and his crew that we’re not the ones posing a threat, we’re just here trying to do good for everyone. So, mind your own business and stop trying to drag others down because we don’t do that to you.”
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