Syariah law takes priority in unilateral conversion issue, says PAS ulama chief
by LEE SHI-IAN
Even before the dust has settled on the controversial unilateral conversion issue, PAS ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib waded in by claiming that the syariah law should be followed on this issue.
Online portal the Mole reported Harun as saying it was clearly stated that the father has the right to determine his children's religion if they have yet to reach mature age.
"I personally feel that the syariah law should be applied in this matter. If the father converts to Islam, then the children will automatically be Muslims as well."
Harun added that in Islam, God's ruling is the most fair, after it was pointed out that there had been complaints about such rulings being unfair.
He was responding to the issue of unilateral conversion of minors following the tabling of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013.
On Friday in Parliament, the tabling of the bill was deferred, to the relief of non-Muslims around the country.
PAS central working committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, however, said everyone should be really objective in finding justice for all parties involved.
"Would it be fair to the other parent if there was a reversed role where the mother converted her child to another religion?" he questioned.
Malay right wing group Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali said reference should be made to the Quran to find an answer to the unilateral conversion issue.
"If the answer is not in the Quran, we should then refer to the Hadith, failing which, the council of ulamas should convene to discuss the issue," he said. - July 6, 2013.
