KUALA LUMPUR: In condemning the brutality of Israel on the people of Palestine, specifically Gaza, Malaysians are not exempt from playing a role in boycotting products and brands that have links with the Zionist regime.
However, lately there have been actions seen as too extreme on the part of certain quarters participating in such boycott, including disparaging those who do not join them and also conduct like scolding and even spitting at workers of restaurants that are the target of their boycott.
Thus the question arises as to where is the appropriateness of this kind of behaviour when the original intention is to join forces to show solidarity in supporting Muslims in Gaza who are the subject of Zionist aggression.
“Actions like these are against Islamic teachings. When in fact during the time of Prophet Muhammad, there was business dealings between him and the Jews although he knew there was a Jewish plot to kill him,” said the chief executive officer of think tank Pertubuhan Ilmuan Malaysia (Ilmu) Ahmad Fazrin Yahaya when contacted by Bernama.
He said so far there had been no Islamic ruling that boycotting products that contribute the Zionist cause is mandatory for Muslims.
“As Muslims, we are not taught to be cruel against others or reciprocate cruelty with cruelty. Force is only allowed in war,” explained Ahmad Fazrin.
Unsavoury news about efforts to condemn the Zionist regime hogged social media on Monday including on the holding of a ‘ceramah’ (rally) in front of a certain fast food outlet.
There was also reports about a youth eating food brought from outside at the particular outlet and workers of a cafe of a well-known chain being spat at by individuals claiming to be fighting for the cause of Gazans.
Ahmad Fazrin said boycott efforts should be done smartly and not follow emotions or sentiments, as these would inevitably be “off-tangent” from Islamic teachings.
“If you want to boycott, don’t go over the limit. In the eagerness to show we are Muslims, we are actually resorting to cruelty which is not very much different from the Zionists who are butchering Palestinian children. Even though our actions have not reached that stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, well-known Islamic preacher, Ustaz Hassan Mahmud Al-Hafiz said boycott action could be taken to teach oppressors a lesson.
However, he said each action taken must be based on manners and morals so that the innocent are not hurt.
“Do it according to capability. But must be patient (with people who do not attempt to follow the boycott). The existing situation is long-rooted in society, in the country. So it is impossible to expect a change overnight, “ he said.
Hassan also advised those choosing the boycott path not to be prejudiced against those who do not join them.
“We must not be forceful in getting people to join us (in the boycott). In reprimanding, it must also be done politely so that it can be accepted. Show warmth, it is more effective, “he said.
It has been reported that Israeli military attacks on Gaza since July 8 have claimed more than 1,800 lives so far, including women and children, and caused hundreds of thousands of people to be homeless. — Bernama