JUNE 24 — A poster that went viral online recently caused a stir among many people, including non-Muslim parents of children who are studying at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi).

The poster reportedly gave the impression that it used certain inducement to encourage students to convert to Islam on campus grounds.

According to Malaysiakini, the online poster listed a few “benefits” for Upsi students who registered as converts to Islam.

The poster, added Malaysiakini, bore the logos of the university’s Islamic centre, its student affairs and alumni department, as well as the Malaysia Madani emblem.

The controversial poster issue caught the attention of certain people, particularly Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran, who called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

In the midst of all this, Upsi publicly disassociated itself from the controversial endeavour, saying that the June 15 poster had never been submitted to its management for consideration or approval.

However, the university’s statement wasn’t clear enough. In fact, it raised more questions.

Did the university disassociate itself from the poster because it disagreed with the religious approach employed by the poster advocates?

Or, did the university oppose the poster being circulated online simply because it didn’t seek the university’s authorisation?

A clear explanation is, therefore, warranted from the university as the content of the poster has serious implications, especially if it is indeed true that there were financial incentives involved.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) expressed concern about the use of financial aid as a means to induce students.

Furthermore, if the financial assistance that was promised came from public funds, then it is an issue that needs to be addressed.

The multi-faith group also feared that such monetary incentives could attract students, particularly those who were financially vulnerable and emotionally disturbed.

As a result, a misperception might take shape among some people that the lure to Islam necessarily takes on a material form.

As it is, there have already been derogatory reactions on social media that caricatured the perceived poster’s material aid-for-faith approach as a “mid-year sale”.

Detractors (who are Muslims), however, argued that the students were mature enough to make their choice.

To doubt their intellectual capacity to make their religious preference, they added, was to insult their intelligence.

Be that as it may, it is important to appreciate that making a profound change of faith requires a clear conscience, and not be influenced or muddled by such factors as financial stress.

There is no compulsion in religion, as far as Islam is concerned.

Lest I be misunderstood, I’m not opposed to anyone who wishes to embrace my religion Islam on their own volition.

Nor do I downplay the socio-economic significance of helping the poor and the marginalised.

In fact, Islam enjoins its followers to help provide material support to the needy, among whom are some poor converts.

This is obviously not the same as giving material assistance as an inducement to conversion.

To reiterate, giving material help is central to the concept of zakat (almsgiving), which is one of the five pillars of Islam. It illustrates the importance Islam places on social justice by redistributing wealth in society.

That is why stealing zakat money is considered a major sin.

Coming back to the issue of promoting Islam, one should avoid making a misstep that is reminiscent of the saying, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. 

It’s worth being mindful that a religion is at times judged by the conduct of its faithful.