Application of the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Concept in a Pluralistic Society during the Pakatan Harapan Government Era in Malaysia
Muhammad ARIF YAHYA, AIDEL QAYYUM Mahmood

Abstract
The Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin concept was introduced by the Malaysian government under the Pakatan Harapan leadership as a form of government policy for monitoring and solving issues related to a pluralistic society in Malaysia. Throughout the 21 months of PH rule various issues had emerged, mainly concerning relations between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities as well as issues related to daawah among the Muslims. The approach and primary slogan used by the PH government in overcoming these issues was the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin concept. However, some quarters disagreed with this approach when certain issues did not favour the Muslims in Malaysia. This qualitative study aimed to examine the implementation of the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin concept introduced by PH through analyses and evaluations of this initiative based on the understanding of the al-Quran, Hadith and views of the Ulama. This study used the document analysis method focusing mainly on online printed materials and newspapers related to the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin concept introduced by the PH leadership. Findings show that some actions by the PH government through the Religious Affairs Department in the Prime Minister’s Department were interpreted as actions based on an inaccurate understanding of the rahmah principle that could dismantle the identity and majestic nature of Islam. Besides practicing leniency and tolerance when using the rahmah daawah approach, the Prophet SAW was also strict when facing uncompromising issues and these strict actions are considered to be rahmah in situations like this.

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