Himpunan Gerakan Islam Malaysia (HIKAM) takes seriously the statement made by the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, linking the struggle through PAS with the reward of Paradise.
HIKAM believes that statements concerning Paradise and Hell must be made with great care and grounded in proper scholarly discipline. The question of a person’s salvation in the Hereafter is a matter of aqidah (creed) and ilmu ghaib (knowledge of the Unseen), and its ultimate determination belongs exclusively to Allah SWT. It should not be presented with certainty as being dependent upon membership in, support for, or participation in the struggle of any political party.
Paradise is Allah’s Reward, Not a Party Guarantee
Allah SWT says:
“And they say: None shall enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian. Those are merely their wishful fantasies. Say: ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:111)
The following verse explains that the reward from Allah is for those who submit themselves to Him and do good.
HIKAM acknowledges that striving for Islam, upholding justice, defending the truth, rejecting oppression, and serving humanity are noble deeds when they are carried out with faith, sincerity, and in accordance with the Shariah.
However, the struggle for Islam cannot be monopolised by any political party.
Membership in, or support for, a particular political party does not in itself guarantee that a person will attain Paradise. Differences in political beliefs also do not determine a person’s standing in the sight of Allah SWT.
Allah SWT reminds us:
“So do not claim yourselves to be pure. He knows best who is truly righteous.” (Surah al-Najm, 53:32)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“None of you will enter Paradise solely because of his deeds.” The Companions asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Not even me, unless Allah bestows His mercy upon me.” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Positions of Malaysia’s Fatwa Institutions
HIKAM wishes to draw attention to a fatwa issued and gazetted by the Negeri Sembilan State Government in 2001 concerning claims that acknowledgement of, and support for, certain individuals or groups is required before a Muslim can be deemed eligible to enter Paradise, as well as statements that certain individuals will be placed in Hell.
The fatwa states:
“The determination of Paradise or Hell is the absolute prerogative of Allah SWT.”
The fatwa further establishes that claims suggesting that acknowledgement of, or support for, certain individuals or organisations is required before a Muslim can be deemed eligible for Paradise or Hell are contrary to Islamic teachings.
HIKAM also notes Tinta Mufti No. 128/2026, issued by the Department of the Federal Territories Mufti on 5 September 2026, entitled “Paradise Does Not Belong Exclusively to Any Group.”
The statement emphasises that Paradise is not the exclusive right of any particular group. Allah SWT’s reward is connected to an individual’s faith, belief in His Oneness (tawhid), and righteous deeds, rather than merely to loyalty to a particular group or figure.
Taken together, these two references provide clear guidance that matters concerning Paradise and Hell should be discussed according to the principles of revelation and aqidah (creed), rather than being used as instruments of partisan political competition.
Islam is Revelation, Political Parties are Human Ijtihad
HIKAM emphasises that Islam cannot be separated from politics. Rather, religion must serve as the criterion that guides politics through the principles of justice, trustworthiness, mercy, excellence, and the pursuit of human welfare.
However, there is a fundamental distinction that must be understood:
Islam is revelation from Allah SWT, whereas a political party is a vehicle and product of human ijtihad.
Parties, leadership, political strategies, and political alliances can change. Political ijtihad can be correct, but it can also be mistaken.
Therefore, it is inappropriate for any political party to portray itself as having an exclusive right to represent Islam, such that support for the party is linked to a person’s salvation in the Hereafter.
In a democratic country, Muslims may differ in their choice of political party, candidate, approach, and strategy based on considerations of maslahah (benefit) and mafsadah (harm).
Differences within the realm of ijtihad siyasah (political ijtihad) should be managed with knowledge and good conduct, rather than being turned into measures of Paradise and Hell.
Islamic Politics Must Educate and Empower the People
HIKAM calls upon all political parties, particularly those that carry the name and image of Islam, to promote a politics of enlightenment and empowerment, rather than politics that exploits religious fears.
The people should be presented with arguments and facts concerning the economy, education, integrity, governance, social justice, the cost of living, national unity, and the future of the country.
Political competition should seek to answer questions such as:
Who is more trustworthy?
Who is more just?
Who has greater integrity?
Who is more capable?
And who is better able to bring benefit and welfare to the people and the nation?
Not who will enter Paradise or Hell because of their political choice.
Preserve Adab al-Ikhtilaf (Etiquette in Handling Disagreements)
Political differences should not lead to a culture of insulting, declaring others misguided, defaming, belittling, or passing judgement on the faith of those who hold different views.
Allah SWT says:
“And do not let the hatred of a people cause you to depart from justice. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:8)
Parties and leaders who carry the name of Islam bear an even greater responsibility to ensure that their political language and conduct reflect mercy, wisdom, justice, and Islamic ethics.
HIKAM’s Five Exhortations
In light of the above, HIKAM calls upon all political leaders and parties to:
- Avoid using Paradise and Hell as rhetoric to gain partisan political support;
- Not link a person’s salvation in the Hereafter to membership in or support for any political party or group;
- Uphold adab al-ikhtilaf (proper etiquette in handling differences) when managing political disagreements;
- Prioritise arguments, facts, integrity, policies, and performance in earning the trust of the people; and
- Restore politics to its higher purpose: serving humanity, striving to uphold justice, and fulfilling one’s trust and accountability before Allah SWT.
Conclusion
HIKAM believes that politics genuinely guided by Islam will make people more well-mannered, society more united, and the nation more harmonious.
We do not need to determine who will enter Paradise and who will enter Hell in the arena of political competition.
Our responsibility is to uphold the truth, act justly, preserve human dignity, and advance the common good.
Politics is a realm of human integrity and ijtihad.
Paradise and Hell are determined by Allah SWT.
The final judgement belongs to Him alone.
Himpunan Gerakan Islam Malaysia (HIKAM)
1. Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (WADAH)
2. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
3. Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM)
4. Pertubuhan Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (HALUAN)
HIKAM Secretariat
Azizuddin Ahmad
Secretary General, WADAH
Mohd. Hafiz Abd. Hamid
Secretary General, IKRAM
Ahmad Fawwaz Ahmad Shukri
Secretary General, ABIM
Mohd. Sabbri Md. Yudin
Secretary General, HALUAN
