IPOH: A sermon delivered by mosques and surau (prayer halls) during Friday prayers in Perak yesterday became viral, as it said that boycotting certain businesses contradicts the principles of Islamic justice.
Titled "Appreciating Universal Justice Living As A Nation" and issued by the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk), the sermon conveyed that boycotting actions by some Muslims and citizens against certain brands should be stopped, leading to widespread discussion on the matter on the Internet.
It also quoted the views of Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Zahidi Wan Teh, who had previously expressed his opinion that the boycott should be stopped, arguing that the action was against Islamic justice.
The text of the sermon included a story previously narrated by Wan Zahidi regarding the boycott issue, specifically the story of Yamamah Tribe chief Thumamah bin Uthal, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, who was captured by the army sent by the prophet and brought to Medina.
"The Honorable Mufti of Perak expressed his opinion that the boycott or ostracisation of certain businesses should be stopped with the argument that such actions are against Islamic justice.
"He believes that the boycott does not align with the (sunnah) practices of Prophet Muhammad.
"And it can lead to injustice. It becomes more severe when this issue is sensationalised without a knowledge-based foundation and true arguments, fueling (negative) sentiments or hatred and anger," said a quote from the sermon text.
The sermon also included views from the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), stating that the boycott should be assessed based on the scale of justice and by deeply considering the aspects of benefit (maslahah) and harm (mafsadah).
"Is the action taken fair and true? Is the boycott bringing benefits or inviting more harm?
"Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) urges all parties to heed the statement of the Perak mufti so that this issue does not become more contentious, to the detriment of all parties," said the sermon.
The sermon emphasised that it was essential to understand that Muslims and non-Muslims needed each other, and thus any injustice or harm that befell one party would affect the other party as well.
"Therefore, it is important to cultivate the spirit of mutual respect and the practice of mutual assistance among us (Malaysians) because Islamic propagation requires a calm and peaceful atmosphere and harmonious relationships between people of different faiths," it said.
The sermon cited opinions from economic analysts, who believed that the boycott was reactive, emotionally driven, and would not solve the real problem. It will only cause the targeted businesses to experience a decline in sales, profits and losses.
According to the sermon, this would result in salary cuts, and, more severely, businesses closing down, leading to job losses, with many affected employees being Muslim.
"Boycotting business premises and certain brands can have adverse effects on the economy, as the involved companies are among the zakat (tithe) and taxpayers."
It said that there are concerns that an emotionally driven boycott, without careful planning, would impact the Muslim economy.
"Moreover, the country's efforts to attract investors and its position as a trading nation and investment destination are also affected.
"A decrease in investments means a decrease in business transactions, and hence a decrease in job opportunities for Malaysians," according to the text of the sermon.