Hashemi, who heads the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver, told FMT he believed praying for a good person was allowed in Islam and in fact morally required.
“There are numerous examples in the Quran and in the life of the Prophet Muhammad that affirm this position,” he said.
“The Prophet of Islam repeatedly preached the fundamental worth of human beings regardless of their faith. It is emphasised that humans, by their very nature, are entitled to dignity and honour.”
Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria recently questioned the propriety of Muslims praying for non-Muslims. News reports quoted him as saying it would be wrong for Muslims to participate in candlelight vigils such as the one held for Kim Jong Hyun, the K-pop star who committed suicide on Dec 18.
Hashemi referred to a well known account about the Prophet instructing his companions to pray for the soul of the Christian king of Abyssinia upon hearing of his death. The king had given sanctuary to a group of Muslims who fled to his country to escape persecution in Mecca.
“Reportedly, when some Muslims protested against praying for the soul of a non-Muslim, a Quranic revelation affirmed the position of the Prophet,” he said.
Hashemi also said he believed the controversy over candlelight vigils in Malaysia had much to do with the growth of “puritanical Salafi Islam” originating in Saudia Arabia.
“The theme of pursuing truth and justice is repeatedly emphasised in the Qur’an,” he said. “The details are left to the individual. If participating in a candlelight vigil can advance the cause of truth or justice, then not only is it allowed in Islam but highly recommended.
“As a Muslim, I have participated in many candlelight vigils, most recently a vigil in solidarity with Palestine. Never for one moment did I think my participation was unIslamic.”
Hashemi did not mention Harussani in his e-mail to FMT. Neither did he say whether he was specifically defending the right of Muslims to pray for Kim.
M’sians slam mufti for criticising Muslims at candlelight vigil