“SISTERS IN ISLAM”: BETWEEN A NAME, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FAITH

“SISTERS IN ISLAM”: BETWEEN A NAME, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FAITH

By: Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil

The recent issue surrounding the use of the name Sisters in Islam (SIS) by a liberal women’s NGO is not something new. But the latest statement by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, calling for the group to stop using the name, has brought this conversation back into the spotlight, especially when it comes to protecting the sanctity of Islam in a multi-religious society like ours.

1. Why This Royal Statement Matters

As a Muslim politician who believes in the principles of syura (consultation) and upholding Islam within the nation’s governance structure, I see the Sultan’s call as not only appropriate but also timely. The Sultan isn’t speaking as just any public figure, he is the Head of Islam in the State of Selangor, a role that carries great religious and constitutional weight.

Muslims today are facing ideological challenges from liberalism, pluralism, secularism and moral relativism. So, when any group uses the name “Islam” freely especially when their views deviate from mainstream Islamic thought, it can cause confusion, and worse, open the door to doctrinal distortion.

2. Court Rulings and Fatwa: Two Sides of the Coin

Let me be clear, I respect the Federal Court’s decision from a legal standpoint. It ruled that the fatwa declaring SIS as deviant doesn’t apply to registered companies like SIS, only to individuals.

But in the context of the ummah (Muslim community) and matters of belief, we can’t rely on legal interpretations alone. Fatwas are issued based on Islamic jurisprudence and the welfare of the Muslim community, not politics. The legal technicalities aside, we mustn’t lose sight of the spiritual and communal consequences.

3. "Islam" Is Not Just a Marketing Term

Yes, everyone has the right to speak. But when someone uses the name “Islam”, they’re not just choosing a word, they are associating themselves with the religion of Allah (SWT). That carries weight.

Using “Islam” in a name isn’t about branding or PR, it carries theological and social implications. So is it right for a group whose interpretations clearly go against jumhur ulama (the consensus of scholars) to continue using the name “Islam”? This isn’t about silencing freedom. It’s about safeguarding the objectives of Shariah especially when it comes to protecting the religion from distortion or misuse.

4. SIS, Democracy, and Shared Responsibility

I’m not denying that, in a democratic country, NGOs like SIS have every right to express their views. But democracy also means respecting the voice of the Muslim majority. We support openness, yes but it must come with adab (proper manners), decorum, and respect for our religious institutions like the Fatwa Council, Muftis, and Religious Departments.

Fighting for women's rights in Islam is a noble cause. But it must be rooted in authentic Islamic scholarship, not defined by Western values or selective interpretations.

5. Strengthening the Role of Rulers and Religious Institutions

As a citizen who believes in our Constitution and in Islam as the religion of the Federation, I urge all Muslims especially in leadership and civil society to respect the role of our Malay Rulers as custodians of Islam, and to strengthen the religious institutions we have. We must never let these institutions be sidelined or seen as irrelevant especially in matters as critical as this.

Final Word: A Gentle Yet Firm Reminder

The Sultan’s message should not be seen as authoritarian or harsh. Instead, it’s a wise and fatherly reminder, directed at a group that may be unknowingly treading into dangerous waters. In fighting for our rights, let’s not damage the foundation of our religion. In demanding space to speak, let’s not drown out the voice of truth.

I call on my fellow Muslims to return to the true path of struggle, seeking truth through knowledge, guided by our scholars, and never misusing the sacred name of Islam for personal or ideological agendas.

Let’s move forward with clarity, unity, and wisdom — because Islam is not just a name. It’s a trust.

KFAK