Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said such verses were a guide for Muslims, and that he was puzzled by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar’s reprimand of politicians who use Quranic verses and hadiths for political gain.

Tuan Ibrahim said he found Na’im’s reprimand “odd” as the Quran and hadiths contained advice on politics and the economy.

“It (the advice) is not something a religious affairs minister should say. We need to understand that those who cite these verses are not ignorant people.

“In terms of politics, the Quran provides the best guide,” he told FMT.

Na’im had advised politicians against citing the Quran or hadiths during ceramahs amid a row on whether Muslims should delay going on pilgrimage if the dates clashed with elections.

He was responding to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang who reportedly said that Muslims should postpone their pilgrimages if they are supposed to cast their ballots in an election.

According to Berita Harian, he said victory at the polls must take priority so that Islam will remain in power.

Islamic development department director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee later said that Hadi’s comments were being reviewed.

Separately, a PAS central committee member said that political policies and decisions must be based on the Quran and hadiths, to ensure fairness and safeguard the welfare of Muslims.

Ahmad Yunus Hairi said those who disputed such approaches should discuss the matter instead of making baseless accusations.