PN MP calls for official religious clarification on Khawarij definition

Awang Hashim, a Perikatan Nasional member of parliament, has called on the country's mufti to release an official religious edict that clearly defines the meaning of Khawarij to prevent misuse of the term. The lawmaker expressed concern that the historical Islamic concept has been applied inconsistently and without proper theological foundation to label various groups in contemporary discourse. Awang Hashim emphasized the need for a unified, authoritative definition that all parties can reference, reducing opportunities for arbitrary or politically motivated application of the term. A formal fatwa, he argued, would provide religious scholars, policymakers, and the general public with a standard understanding rooted in Islamic jurisprudence. The call reflects broader concerns in Malaysia about the use of religious terminology in public and political debates, where clarity and consistency are viewed as essential to maintaining social cohesion and preventing misunderstandings.