Malaysian preacher Firdaus Wong has called out Muslim staff at the Port Klang Authority (PKA) for participating in a Chinese New Year video featuring a song about the God of Wealth.
Taking to his Facebook page, Firdaus stated that the staff who danced in the video were inadvertently engaging in syirik, which refers to idolatry or the association of partners with Allah.
“I am going to give the benefit of the doubt that all the Muslims involved in the Port Klang Authority’s Chinese New Year video were not informed about the lyrics of the song, which is clearly syirik,” he wrote.
Firdaus added that while he values social harmony, it must not supersede religious boundaries.
“I like harmony and tolerance, but not harmony and tolerance to the point where there are no limits. Several times, these lyrics appear while all the dancers dance happily: ‘Blessed by the God of Wealth’.”
A reminder against ‘limitless’ tolerance
The preacher hence urged Muslims to be vigilant when participating in multicultural celebrations. He questioned whether such displays actually help da’wah (proselytisation) or if they merely dilute religious principles.
“How many people have become interested in Islam or converted because of Yee Sang, Lion Dances, or Chinese New Year celebrations organised by Islamic religious institutions? Do they want to convert because they think they can still be Chinese and get involved in music videos that are clearly syirik?” he questioned.
Advice to the Muslim community
The preacher concluded his post by offering advice specifically to Muslims regarding the concepts of Halal, Haram, and monotheism. He noted that while he is happy to explain these concepts to non-Muslims who are rational and interested, he remains indifferent to those who react with hostility.
Firdaus asserted:
“My advice is for Muslims. Those who are not yet Muslim, who do not know the meaning of monotheism and syirik, we can explain it if you are a rational person.
“But, if you are an emotional, blind follower, then your sarcasm, criticism, and insults have no value to me.”
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