Yet, of late, something troubling has been happening. Instead of uniting us, the flag has sometimes become a source of division—especially in how we react to mistakes involving it. Whether it is being hung upside down, printed with the wrong number of points, or misrepresented in other ways, such errors are often met with anger, suspicion, and accusations.
This is not to say we should ignore mistakes involving our national flag. We must protect its dignity. But how we respond matters. The Jalur Gemilang itself bears the crescent and star—symbols of Islam as the religion of the Federation.
Because of this, I choose to base my approach on the Qur’an—drawing from its call for justice, fairness, and peace-building.
Here is a Qur’anic guide to dealing with mistakes involving the Jalur Gemilang.
1. Avoid Unfounded Suspicion (Qur’an 49:12)
Before we assume ill intent, we must first ascertain the facts. The Qur’an warns:
"O ye who believe! AVOID SUSPICION AS MUCH (AS POSSIBLE): FOR SUSPICION IN SOME CASES IS A SIN: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs..." (Qur’an 49:12)
A wrongly displayed flag may be due to ignorance, carelessness, or oversight—not necessarily malice. Let us not jump to conclusions.
Be careful—negative suspicion not only leads to sin but can also be one of Shayṭān’s tools to divide and create mistrust among people. (Refer Qur’an 58:10)
2. Do Not Practise Double Standards (Qur’an 83:1–3)
Justice in Islam requires that we apply the same standard regardless of who is involved.
“Woe to those who give less [than due], who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give them by measure or by weight, they cause loss.” (Qur’an 83:1–3)
We cannot practise double standards—demanding that one group be punished when a mistake is made, but turning a blind eye or offering leniency when the same mistake is made by those we consider “one of us.”
3. Judge with Justice Even if You Dislike the Other (Qur’an 5:8)
The Qur’an reminds us that justice is not dependent on personal feelings:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and DO NOT LET THE HATRED OF A PEOPLE PREVENT YOU FROM BEING JUST. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)
Even if the person who made the mistake is someone we oppose, we are still bound to be fair—and vice versa. Failing to do so means failing in our Taqwa.
4. Exchange Bad with What Is Better (Qur’an 41:34)
The Qur’an guides us to respond in a way that promotes reconciliation rather than hostility:
“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. REPEL [EVIL] BY THAT [DEED] WHICH IS BETTER; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [WILL BECOME] AS THOUGH HE WERE A DEVOTED FRIEND.” (Qur’an 41:34)
When we correct the mistake respectfully, we may win hearts instead of creating further division. This behaviour draws us closer—to unity.
Conclusion: Living the Test
Malaysia and Malaysians have a deep responsibility to live up to God’s test. Here, Islam is lived—together with other living religions. Our diversity reflects a Qur’anic truth:
“And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. HAD ALLAH WILLED, HE WOULD HAVE MADE YOU ONE NATION [UNITED IN RELIGION], BUT [HE INTENDED] TO TEST YOU IN WHAT HE HAS GIVEN YOU; SO RACE TO [ALL THAT IS] GOOD. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” (Qur’an 5:48)
In many ways, Malaysia is a living chromosome—a model of how faiths can coexist, each preserving its own colours, yet woven together in the same tapestry of peace.
In other words’ we are given the responsibility to showcase the Quran.
When we guard the dignity of our flag, let us also guard the dignity of our unity. For the Jalur Gemilang does not just represent our sovereignty—it represents our shared responsibility to one another as Malaysians.
We must live up to this test!
"And We did not reveal to you the Book except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe." (Qur’an 16:64)
Peace.
Anas Zubedy
Kuala Lumpur
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