Guidelines For Muslims Attending Non-Muslim events To Be Finalised At Month-end

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is finalising the guidelines on the participation of Muslims in non-Muslim religious celebrations, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

He said the guidelines cover the involvement of Muslims in festive celebrations and funeral rites of non-Muslims, as well as visits to and events held in non-Muslim places of worship.

“These guidelines will be finalised during the 126th Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Muzakarah Committee, scheduled from Feb 25 to 27,” he said in a written reply uploaded on Parliament’s website today.

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He was responding to a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) on the government’s stance regarding the celebration of non-Muslim religious festivals at government premises involving Muslims, who need to safeguard their faith while promoting racial unity.

Mohd Na’im said the guidelines specify that Muslim participation in such celebrations should not include activities that may offend Muslim sensitivities, such as speeches or songs with religious propaganda, the distribution of religious materials, and performances or speeches that mock Islamic beliefs.

“The guidelines also address events held during prayer times such as the call to prayer (azan), congregational prayers, sermons and Friday prayers,” he said.

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Mohd Na’im added that organisers must seek prior approval from the relevant authorities and consult Islamic religious bodies if the event involves Muslim leaders or individuals before proceeding.

He said the new guidelines would complement the existing one endorsed by the MKI Fatwa Committee during its 68th meeting on April 12, 2005, which can still serve as a reference.

However, he noted that any provisions in the previous guidelines that contradict the new ones will no longer be applicable.

“The government remains firm in its stance that the faith of Muslims must be safeguarded while maintaining harmony among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, in line with Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

-- BERNAMA