The fatwa does not contradict the concept of Bangsa Johor - Sultan Ibrahim
ZULHISHAM ISAHAK
JOHOR BAHRU - The Sultan of Johor said that the fatwa of the Johor State Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) regarding the guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim celebrations is not in conflict with the concept of Bangsa Johor.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said, the fatwa which was announced on Thursday does not affect the concept of the Bangsa Johor at all which practices tolerance, understanding and unity.
"The fatwa only prohibits Muslims from engaging in or participating in any non-Islamic rituals.
"This is a guideline for Muslims, they can still attend other religions ceremonies and celebrations.
"Other religions must also respect the sensitivity of Muslims. This is a two-way practice. We must be sensitive to the commands and prohibitions of each religion to live together," he told the Royal Press Office (RPO), on Friday.
Sultan Ibrahim elaborated that all religions emphasise on virtues such as compassion, respect, tolerance, moderation and kindness and Malaysians should focus on the value of togetherness rather than racial or religious differences.
"I hope with this explanation, we can stop any confusion about this new fatwa because it only explains things that are allowed to Muslims and are forbidden in Islam," he said.
On Thursday, Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Exco, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid announced the new fatwa which will be implemented starting next week.
According to Mohd Fared, based on the fatwa, the Muslim community will be allowed to fulfill invitations to non-Islamic celebrations but not be involved in any religious ceremony or ritual practice.
He said Muslims who violate the guidelines can be prosecuted according to Section 9 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offenses Enactment 1997.
According to him, the guidelines are things, actions or words that are against the Islamic faith and law and touches the sensitivity of the Muslim community.
"Among the examples are putting religious marks on the forehead or other parts of the body, giving praise to non-Muslim religions,wearing Santa Claus clothes; socialising without limits, dressing conspicuously and making speeches that are blasphemous or insulting Islam," he explained.
