Firdaus Wong Says Open-Micer Didn’t Insult Islam But Herself & There Are Boundaries in Joking

During the weekends, an open-micer in TTDI Crackhouse Comedy Club found herself under fire after stripping her hijab and Baju Kurung. This was done following the confession about her religious study background.

To most of the Muslim community, her actions were equivalent to an insult to the religion. However, local preacher Firdaus Wong didn’t think so.

‘She’s actually insulting herself, not Islam.’

Firdaus said that if the controversial open-micer had really memorised half of the Quran as she claimed to be, her recent actions were deemed a form of disrespect towards herself.

‘Islam has glorified her when she dressed politely and covered her aurat. But she decided to insult herself by stripping her hijab and Baju Kurung in front of the crowds,’ Firdaus explained.

He then continued by saying if the open-micer had really memorised half of the Holy Book, she wouldn’t have behaved that way.

‘Perhaps she memorised half of the Quran without actually understanding and practising the knowledge.’

Is Islam really anti-comedy?

The controversy has stirred a debate among Malaysians, especially about the comedic tolerance of some people. In a Facebook post yesterday (July 11), Firdaus responded to one of the questions that have been lingering on social media.

‘If you think the Muslims lead a boring life just because we’re not allowed to make jokes, then you’re wrong!’

According to the local preacher, Islam is a comprehensive and holistic religion and joking is definitely allowed as long as the joke doesn’t go overboard.

‘It’s just like taking vitamins. It’s beneficial for your health, but it can be harmful if you take more than the suggested dose.’

Boundaries = harmony

Firdaus explained that the limitations in life, including the one in making a joke, are not meant to cause any burden but the boundaries are needed to ease and harmonise life within the community. 

He also said that Islam permits its people to have free speech and jokes, but not to the extent where insulting other races and religions is part of the joke.

‘Mr Bean and Charlie Chaplin have little to zero dialogue, and yet they are popular and funny,’ he ended his post.

Do you agree with Firdaus’s take on this? Do you think the open-micer who claimed to be from Kuala Kangsar, Perak has insulted herself with her actions?

Also read: Using Prayer Oil As ‘Affordable Cooking Oil?’ Local Preacher Says Lies Shouldn’t Be Part Of A Joke