Ilmuveringe Gulhun, (Maldivian Scholars Union), has filed a police case over remarks by former MDP chairperson Moosa Manik (Reeko Moosa) describing religious scholars as apostates during an MDP event held on Tuesday night.
Reeko, while speaking during Tuesday night’s event, voiced out his concerns regarding the bill current in the parliament to criminalize gambling and operation of gambling establishments. He emphasized that it is unacceptable to call MDP members irreligious when they voice their opinion on such matters.
He strongly criticized scholars in the Maldives, accusing altering hadiths and Quran verses to suit their own interests. He also called on scholars involved in politics to stay at home, describing them as a “major disaster” for the country.
“This party and us, they label as irreligious. While they call us apostates, it is apostasy to call an individual who has recited the two verses of Shadath and accepted the pillars of Islam a Kaffir. Such an individual needs to perform Tawbah. We are talking about such undignified religious scholars. They, themselves are apostates,” he said.
Ilmuveringe Gulhun strongly condemned Reeko’s remarks in a statement, citing it as a dangerous precedent. They union described the remarks as an irresponsible act aimed at inciting hatred against religious scholars who are tirelessly working to uphold the Islamic religion and values in the Maldives.
The union also expressed concern over such remarks putting the lives of scholars at risk, referring to the case of late Dr. Afrashim Ali, who had been brutally murdered.
As such, the union accused Reeko of encouraging extremism and violence under Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Union further said his remarks undermined religious unity and incited hatred, in violation of the Religious Unity Act.
The Union also underscored that it is a criminal offense under Article 124 of the Penal Code to publicly label and Muslim as a Kaffir with the intent of inciting hatred against that individual.
Henceforth, the Union called for an investigation into the television channel that broadcast Reeko’s remarks as well as legal action against those liable.