Entering heaven is determined by Allah’s permission and mercy, not by membership or support for any political party, said Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
He described claims that joining or voting for PAS could lead a person to heaven as “baseless”, questioning how a political party could link its struggle to Allah’s mercy.
Mujahid was responding to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, who was reported to have said that those who joined PAS, embraced Islam and fought according to the party’s principles could enter heaven after death.
He questioned whether PAS could claim to lead people towards Allah’s mercy while accusing fellow Muslims of being munafik and engaging in slander and lies for political gain.
Mujahid said PAS appeared to be reducing the broader concept of Allah’s mercy by tying it to support for the party.
He also urged the authorities to take appropriate action if Takiyuddin’s remarks amounted to insulting or exploiting religion.
“If Takiyuddin did not intend to make such a claim, he should apologise to PAS members and all Muslims,” he said.
Takiyuddin, who is also Kota Bharu MP and Perikatan Nasional secretary-general, had said those who died while fighting to defend Islam would be regarded as martyrs and rewarded with divine blessings and entry into heaven.
He explained that the phrase “joining PAS means entering heaven” could be interpreted as a statement used by political opponents to mock the party. However, he maintained that PAS’ struggle was based on Islam and aligned with teachings commanded by Allah.
“Joining PAS in that way, God willing, we can enter heaven when we die. That is certain, ladies and gentlemen,” he was quoted as saying.
Takiyuddin also said PAS had the backing of religious scholars, including many pondok teachers, because of the party’s commitment to an Islamic struggle.
He claimed PAS now had more than one million members nationwide, excluding non-members and supporters living overseas.
“If they are taken into account, it can be said that PAS now has the support of between three and four million people,” he said.
Takiyuddin added that PAS was a party carrying the call of Islam, pointing to its full name, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, as the only party in the country with the word “Islam” in its name.
