Jakarta:First paragraph of the news story.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Quran, which he described as the ultimate source of divine guidance for Muslims. He condemned any acts of mocking or insulting the Quran as irresponsible, highlighting that such actions could offend the religious sensitivities of Muslims.
The controversy revolves around the word 'lighad', found in Verse 18 of Surah al-Hasyr. Zulkifli explained that 'lighad' translates to 'tomorrow' and is contextually related to preparations for the Hereafter. He urged that the term, as used in the Quran, should not be distorted or ridiculed by associating it with other words that demean the religion.
Zulkifli stressed the importance of mutual respect and responsible communication to preserve religious sanctity and maintain harmony in a multireligious society. He also advised that any disrespectful conduct towards Islam be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation and legal action.
The issue arose when a social media influencer questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's use of the word 'lighad' during the tabling of the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, sarcastically linking it to another word. In response, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are working to locate the individual for questioning to assist in the investigation.