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Kelantan Islamic Scholar: Overthrowing Just Government Forbidden

A prominent religious figure in Kelantan has declared that attempts to topple a legitimate government are prohibited under Islamic law. The statement comes amid ongoing political discourse in Malaysia.

LSN Malaysia · 1 November 2026

Kelantan Islamic Scholar: Overthrowing Just Government Forbidden

Syeikh Wazir, a respected Islamic scholar in Kelantan, has issued a religious ruling stating that efforts to overthrow a just and lawful government are forbidden in Islam. The scholar's pronouncement represents a significant intervention into Malaysia's political landscape by religious leadership.

According to Syeikh Wazir, such actions should not be pursued by Muslims, citing Islamic principles as the basis for his position. The declaration carries weight within Kelantan, a state where Islamic jurisprudence holds considerable influence over public discourse and governance.

The scholar's statement appears to offer religious backing to the current administration led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His comments reflect a broader engagement by Malaysia's religious establishment in contemporary political matters, underscoring the intersection of faith and governance in the country's public sphere.

The pronouncement may influence discussions among Malaysia's Muslim majority regarding legitimate political conduct and the religious boundaries around challenging sitting governments. Such interventions by senior Islamic scholars often carry substantial moral authority within their communities and shape the parameters of permissible political action.