Pluralisme, Lambatnya!

Sehari dua ini orang memperkatakan tentang pluralisme. Saya telah pun mengingatkan bahaya pluralisme lebih awal iaitu pada tahun 2007 menerusi novel Tuhan Manusia.

Ini petikan dari wikipedia, yang saya tidak tahu siapa penyusunnya.

In one of his most celebrated novel, Tuhan Manusia (2007), Tehrani ambitiously tackles the topic of apostasy head on. A politically charged issue in Muslim communities worldwide, but especially so in multi-racial Malaysia, Tuhan Manusia is unapologetic in its staunchly orthodox opposition against it, as well as against movements that call for 'radically liberal' (for lack of a clearer term) reinterpretations of Islam, which the novel considers the poisoned apple that tricks its victims into the ultimate sin of shirk.

The plot revolves around the life of Ali Taqi, a student, as he explores the realms of liberalism and pluralism. This is no hollow academic exercise for him. Rather, it is motivated by his hatred and disgust towards them following his brother's apostasy. Guided by his teachers and mentors, long (and not particularly novel-like) discussions ensue. Antagonistic characters exist in the form of Zehra, a schoolmate (and requisite love interest), and her father, Aris, a public figure associated with a liberal organisation, and they represent the opposite viewpoints in the story. The plot progresses as Ali grows more fervent in his opposition and activism, culminating in a public exchange between him and Aris, whom he holds responsible for his brother's actions.

As a novel, Tuhan Manusia is well-written in an eloquent and excellent Bahasa Melayu, that is to be expected from Faisal Tehrani, whose works are popular with both critics and readers. And as what suppose is a mark of a skilled writer, for such a topic laden with emotions, Faisal has avoided smothering the reader with sentiments. And despite this being a book where apostasy is central, fire and brimstone rarely surface. When it is dished out, it is classy and measured.

Instead, the book aims squarely at the reader's intellect, thoroughly researched and replete with reference numbers and quotations, saving us the grief of public executions and 'de-flowerings'. This rich novel is Faisal Tehrani's salvo in the apostasy debate. It may not solve the problem, but Tuhan Manusia does provide valuable insights into orthodox Islam's views towards the burning issues of apostasy, pluralism, liberalism and fundamentalism, which are invaluable to anyone who wishes to understand the hatred and vitriol that abound.

* Sekuel Tuhan Manusia sedang ditulis.