Malaysian Muslims seemingly jubilant by the unprovoked murder of 49 people in an Orlando nightclub in the United States that is known to be frequented by the gay community should bear in mind that while homosexuality is prohibited in Islam, murder is also abhorred.

Political pressure group G25 said in a statement: "It is extremely disturbing to see, in the social media, some Muslims in Malaysia revelling at the murder and justifying it on the ground that homosexuality is forbidden and is a major sin in Islam."

While G25 affirmed the religious prohibitions against homosexuality, it went on to note that wanton murder is also denounced in the faith.

"We wish to state in the strongest possible way that while Islam/the Quran prohibits homosexuality, the deliberate taking of a human life is also something Islam prohibits," it added.

Last week, an automatic-wielding American security guard opened fire in the popular Orlando nightspot, resulting in the death of 49 club-goers.

The NGO quoted Verse 32 of Surah 5 (Al Maidah) of the Holy Qur'an as reference: “….and whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind…”.

G25 expressed concern that statements supporting the killing of innocent men and women in the nightclub will be interpreted as support for acts of senseless violence.

'Abandon your extreme attitudes'

The NGO urged one and all to abandon their extreme and intolerant attitudes towards people who are of a different sexual orientation, and to embrace the universal view that all human beings have the same feelings as others in wanting freedom to live and lead a peaceful life.

Furthermore, G25 argued, all citizens have legitimate rights and freedoms provided by the law of the land. In the context of Malaysia, these rights are enshrined in the Federal Constitution and it is the duty of the law to protect all citizens against any hostile act.

It said all who believe in this universal view of justice and human rights will also realise it is cruel to celebrate, or even to tolerate or be indifferent to the wanton killings in Orlando.

G25 argued that it is important to speak out clearly against all barbaric acts perpetrated in the name of religion with the rising prejudice and racism in Europe and America, where migrant communities face hostile reactions whenever innocent lives are lost to extremists

It also expressed its deepest condolences to the relatives and friends who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.