Huge Hindu, Buddhist statues against Islamic teachings : Malaysian Ex-Judge

April 18, 2014 

Chaitra Krushnapaksha 2, Kaliyug Varsha 5116

(The Rakyat Post) - A retired Court of Appeals judge has expressed his view that the “huge” statues at a Hindu temple in Batu Caves and a Buddhist temple in Penang were against the teachings of Islam as the religion forbids idol worship.

Datuk Mohd Noor Abdullah said such statues of deities should not be out in the open, but should be placed within an enclosed building instead.

“With such a huge statue, you’re showing that your religion is all mighty and powerful,” Mohd Noor told the Malay Mail Online and Bernama in an joint interview yesterday, referring to the 42.7-metre high statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity, at Batu Caves in Selangor.

Pointing to the Federal Constitution which states that Islam is the religion of the nation, the former judge insisted Islam was above other faiths.

“When non-Muslims build such big idols, it hurts people’s feelings,” he said, adding non-Muslims had freedom of worship, but such freedom must be exercised in a way where “Muslims don’t feel threatened”.

The retired judge also criticised the 30.2-metre high statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, at a Buddhist temple in Air Itam, Penang.

“Islam forbids images (of gods). Here, you allow images of Buddha in the country. That’s not consistent with Islam. But if you cover it up, you can allow it.”

Source : Malaysiya today