He told FMT that Islam obliges its followers to obey those in power, so long as the rulers do not lead the people towards kufur (abandoning their faith).

“If the government is pushing its people towards kufur and threatening the advancement of Islam, then it is permissible to oppose it,” he said on calls for the public to join a rally in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday demanding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation.

“However, it’s still unclear whether the current government is guilty of such acts. Perhaps some politicians believe so, but the general public may not see it that way.”

Yesterday, PAS Ulama Council chief Ahmad Yahaya described participation in the rally as a “moral and religious duty” to speak the truth in the face of what he claimed was a failed administration.

Rahman said Islam encourages goodness and the protection of its sanctity.

“What individuals cannot uphold on their own must be safeguarded through a government. The government, in turn, must treat Islamic affairs as a matter of great importance.

“We must run our country in the way of the Prophet Muhammad. If a nation has yet to become an Islamic state, then we should guide it in that direction – not only in material terms, but by ensuring that Islam is upheld and honoured by its leaders.”

He advised Muslims planning to attend the rally to remain within the bounds of Islamic conduct, including respecting public property, avoiding chaos, and not causing harm or injury.

“If we want a better situation, we must ensure that our actions don’t make things worse than they already are. Let’s not allow that to happen,” he said.