The Sultan of Selangor Province, Malaysia, Sharafuddin Idris Shah, affirmed that mocking Islam and insulting Muslims is a legitimate criminal offense throughout the country, reminding some parties of the penalty for issuing such insults.
According to what was reported by Sinar and followed by Shia Waves, Idris Shah said, “There are special provisions contained in the section on the sanctity of Islam and its institutions,” expressing his concern about the increasing phenomenon of “insulting and mocking the Islamic religion by some.”
Idris Shah asked people to understand and appreciate the essence of the Friday sermon entitled “Do not insult Islam,” which was delivered by preachers in all the country’s mosques on Friday.
According to the statement, he wanted Muslims to be aware and vigilant because “the enemies of Islam often target Islam in different ways.”
He said, “There are parties trying to make fun of Sharia and religious rules, and to manipulate the law to insult Islamic law.”
He added, “It saddens me that there are people who mock the word (of God) and issue statements that contradict the morals and beliefs of true Islam.”
In his statement, Idris Shah reminded the leaders to defend the greatness of Islam, and affirmed that “leaders and officials should play an important role and be firm in accordance with the Sharia of the divine text and national legislations.”
