The Council of Islamic Scholars (MUZ) questioned the claim that Ismail, better known as Mufti Menk, was divisive and unfit for a multi-religious society for telling Muslims not to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Diwali”.
“We place on record that he has never said it is ‘blasphemous’ to greet others during their festivals. He teaches that everyone has the same right to celebrate their festivals, without any fear or restriction,” said the council’s president Shaikh Umar Phiri.
He said Menk preferred greetings that were “inclusive” such as “Happy Holidays”, “Seasons Greetings” and “Have a Good Day”.
“To claim that his preaching is divisive because of this is unfortunate, unfair and seems to be done without understanding the middle ground he has always taught in this regard.”
On Monday, Singapore’s ministry of home affairs said it had rejected Menk’s application, alongside Malaysian preacher Haslin Baharim or better known as “Ustad Bollywood”, to speak there this month in a religiously-themed cruise from the republic.
The statement said Ismail had been known to preach segregationist and divisive teachings, citing as an example his claim that it was a sin and a crime for a Muslim to wish a non-Muslim “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Deepavali”.
Menk is a frequent visitor to South East Asia including Malaysia, and has also met Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Yesterday, Putrajaya said it had no problems with Menk or Haslin.
“During their time in Malaysia, they did not say anything that caused racial conflict or tension in our society,” said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
MUZ said Menk was an asset to Zimbabwe’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
“Similarly, he has proven his value on the world stage and in similar settings,” it added.
“We urge those concerned to listen to some of his sermons in full and not an edited clip of a few minutes. These talks are available online. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or instagram to see the moderate path he has chosen.
“We stand with our Mufti and are very proud of his achievements and guidance over the last two decades.”