Muslims Should Not Use "RIP" When Expressing Condolences To Non-Muslims?
Hours after the death of Karpal Singh, the National Fatwa Council reminded Malaysians that the phrase 'RIP' is not in accordance to Muslim belief.
By Mei Mei Chu — 18 Apr 2014, 04:07 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
As The Nation Mourns The Death Of Karpal Singh, The National Fatwa Council Reminds Muslims To Refrain From Using The Phrase "RIP" (Rest In Peace)
Following the death of Karpal Singh and the outpouring of grief, Muslims were reminded by the National Fatwa Council today that they were not encouraged to use the phrase “Rest in Peace" (RIP) to a non-Muslim because the term had Christian connotations.
themalaysianinsider.com
The fatwa was curiously issued within hours of the traffic accident death of noted opposition MP (Member of Parliament) Karpal Singh, who was both ethnically and religiously a Sikh.
examiner.com
According To The National Fatwa Council, Muslims Can Express Their Condolences To Non-Muslims As Long As There Are No Religious Implications
In a statement issued on its website, www.e-fatwa.gov.my, the National Fatwa Council said Muslims could express their condolences to non-Muslim families. “Condolences can be expressed to a non-Muslim family as long as there are no religious implications,” it said.
malaysiaedition.net
"Wishes Such As 'I Sympathise With What Has Happened To You' Or 'We Express Our Sadness At The Loss In Your Family' Are Allowed
"Wishes such as 'I sympathise with what has happened to you' or 'we express our sadness at the loss in your family' are allowed.
themalaysianinsider.com
However, A Muslim Is Not Encouraged To Wish "Rest In Peace"
"However, a Muslim is definitely not encouraged to wish a non-Muslim person 'Rest in Peace'," the council said.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Council's Reasoning Was That "RIP" Was An Assumption That The Non-Muslim Would Receive God's Blessing
The council said RIP was an assumption that the non-Muslim person would receive God's blessings. "It is similar to the Latin prayer of 'May his soul and the souls of all the departed faithful by God's mercy rest in peace’."
therealsingapore.com
The council said this sentence was a form of prayer regularly used by Christians, especially during the 18th century and regularly engraved on tombstones.
themalaysianinsider.com
Islam Believes A Person Who Has Died In Blasphemy Will Not Receive God's Blessings
"From an Islamic point of view, a person who has died in blasphemy will not receive God's forgiveness and blessings," it said.
themalaysianinsider.com
According to the governmental office of fatwas, kuffars (unbelievers) are strictly verboten from receiving the mercy of God.
examiner.com
The Wish Also Depends On The Intentions Of The Individual Saying "RIP"
The council's statement also said the wish also depended on the intentions of the individual saying “RIP”.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Fatwa Has Raised The Eyebrows Of The Western Media
The Examiner: Despite four in ten Malaysians claiming adherence to a number of faiths other than Islam (Buddhism, Catholicism, Taoism, Hinduism, etc.) the government is "encouraging" the country's people to never say that any recently deceased non-Muslim should Rest In Peace (RIP). Equating the ancient Catholic prayerful intention that the departed should requiescat in pace to RIP's connotation to Christianity.
examiner.com