‘Lighad’ issue: Quran must not be subject to mockery, says religious affairs minister

Malaysia's Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr Zulkifli Hasan, has emphasized the importance of respecting the Quran and its teachings. He stated that the Quran serves as the ultimate source of divine guidance for Muslims and its sanctity should be upheld at all times. Zulkifli expressed concern over the viral issue surrounding the word "lighad" in Verse 18 of Surah al-Hasyr.

The word, he explained, actually means "tomorrow" and has a contextual meaning related to preparations for the Hereafter. He warned that the term should not be misinterpreted or used to mock the religion by associating it with other words in a manner that demeans Islam. Zulkifli urged all parties to understand the true meaning and context of Quranic verses and refrain from mocking the sacred text.

He emphasized that mutual respect and responsible communication are crucial to preserving religious sanctity and maintaining harmony in a multicultural society. Zulkifli stated that any disrespectful conduct towards Islam should be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate legal action. A social media influencer had previously questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's use of the word "lighad" when presenting the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat, sarcastically linking it to another word.

The Communications Minister, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, confirmed that the authorities were seeking to identify the individual to record a statement and assist in the investigation.