Not Hindu, but Indian – John Baptist

Dear Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin,

I read with surprise the TMI article: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-should-not-don-hindu-attire-garlands-says-perlis-mufti

Firstly, let me make it clear that this reply to you is not intended to berate you, nor is it to question the sanctity of Islam. I merely wish to implore you to verify the accuracy of some of your alleged assertions.

First of all, what the Prime Minister wore on his visit to Batu Caves on the occasion of Thaipusam is called a ‘kurta’. It is typically worn as a traditional Indian, not Hindu, costume. As a very large number of Indians are Hindus, it is very common for Hindus to wear the kurta. Some research on the internet would indicate that the kurta is also worn in places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and naturally, India. Your concerns over the costume worn may have been valid if the PM had donned the costume of the Hindu priests or devotees. He simply did not.

Secondly, the use of a garland of flowers is not limited to Hindus, but is the practice of a large number of Indians that include Muslims, Christians and even atheists. Just do a search on Google for ‘Muslim (or Christian) weddings in India” and you will find numerous photographs with couples of both faiths using garland of flowers in wedding ceremonies. Such garlands are used in engagements, official or religious functions and yes, even at funerals. A garland of flowers is simply used to honour a person and has no religious connotation.

* John Baptist reads The Malaysian Insider.