Islamophobia? What about Muslim phobia about other religions?

Politicians are politicians - a rather untrustworthy bunch. Some of them are perfectly willing to use religion as a tool to further their political goals. Every small-time politician who does not have the intellectual capacity to deal with the more substantive issues in our society will turn to highlighting some religious issue in an attempt to show their relevance.

The recent controversy over setting guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events is yet another painful example of how politics divides us. These politicians aren’t concerned about the deeper consequences—the growing rift it creates among the diverse, multi-racial, multi-religious citizens of our country. Their only concern is protecting their own narrow interests. What they truly fear isn’t that Muslims will lose their faith—it’s that they will lose their control over them. This isn’t just a fear held by politicians, but by religious institutions as well. It’s the fear of losing influence over those whose support they desperately need to stay in power, to stay relevant.

Malaysian politicians are fond of talking about Islamophobia at every opportunity they get. But what about their own phobia about other religions? This controversy is a perfect example of this.

Muslims in Malaysia are warned against learning about religions other than their own for fear that they will "accidently" get converted. Tax-payer funded institutions have been set up to protect the purity of Muslims in Malaysian. Without the opportunity to truly understand, to ask questions, or engage in meaningful dialogue, we see ignorant, even harmful statements about other religions being made—statements that only deepen the divide between us. Without understanding, we remain prisoners of our own limited perspectives, unable to see the humanity in others, or the shared dreams and struggles we all face.

I went to a Christian missionary school, and over several years, often attended church service. I even had a personal Bible—until termites, in their own way of seeking salvation, decided to feast on it. Later, during my undergraduate studies, curiosity led me to take a course on Islam. Neither of these experiences shook my faith or sparked a desire to convert, but they did something deeper: they opened my eyes to the countless ways humanity searches for a connection with God. It made me realize that, at the heart of it all, people are driven by a profound need to find meaning in life and conquer the fear of mortality. For me, exploring other religions has only deepened my appreciation for the common thread that binds us all—the quest to find purpose through our relationship with God. So why should we fear learning about each other’s beliefs? Why, instead of inspiring hatred, can’t religion be the source of kindness, compassion, and understanding?

To our politicians, I say this: It’s time to step up and grow beyond your narrow agendas. If you lack the intellectual courage to confront the deeper, more complex issues we face, then at the very least, focus on doing something that unites us all as Malaysians. To those who claim to fight against Islamophobia, I challenge you: Heal your own prejudices first before you attempt to lecture the world on tolerance. Hypocrisy is not a crusade; it is cowardice in the face of truth.