Johor Bahru: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, has urged all Muslims to exercise patience, embrace open-mindedness, and resolve differences wisely through proper channels. He emphasized that the month of Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but also about controlling emotions and maintaining good relations with others.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im stressed the importance of tabayyun, which means verifying before acting, in preserving social harmony. He referenced a recent incident where a non-Muslim youth was allegedly slapped for eating during Ramadan, noting that such behavior does not reflect the true teachings of Islam. “Islam teaches us to be patient, have good manners, and respect the rights of every individual, especially in a multi-ethnic society,” he stated in a Facebook post.

Mohd Na’im also shared a hadis, highlighting that acting hastily without verifying can lead to mistakes and regret. He called for collective efforts to build a harmonious society, uphold good morals, and embrace compassion, aligning with Islamic teachings that bring blessings to all.

The incident in question involved a viral video showing an elderly man slapping an individual who was eating at a shopping mall in Johor Bahru. Earlier today, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang confirmed that the victim had filed a police report over the incident, which is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code.