COMMENT | A recent video circulating on social media has raised significant concerns.

In the video, a preacher claims it is acceptable to convert non-Muslim children to Islam without their parents’ knowledge, provided the conversion is not officially registered until the children reach the age of 18.

He suggests converting children first and then teaching them about Islam, including performing prayers in secret.

This practice is deeply disturbing and ethically wrong. It infringes upon Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution, which clearly states: “For the purposes of Clause (3), the religion of a person under the age of 18 shall be decided by his parent or guardian.”

This constitutional provision unequivocally mandates that the religion of a child under 18 is to be determined by their parents or guardians.