Muslims advised not to go to Viral TikTok Songs concert – Mufti

GEORGETOWN - Muslims are advised not to attend the 2023 Malaysia Indonesia Viral TikTok Songs Concert, which will be held at Batu Kawan on Sept 30.

Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said that it is unsuitable for Muslims to attend the concert as the date is too close to the Maulidur Rasul celebration.

"I would advise the Muslims not to go to the concert. Soon, Muslims around the world will celebrate the month of Maulidur Rasul.

"It is quite inappropriate for Muslims to be involved in this kind of activity as it is seemingly disrespecting our prophet," he said when contacted on Saturday.

He added that Islam does not prohibit its people from having fun within reasonable limits.

"Although Islam does not prohibit its people from having fun, do not get overly distracted that we do not consider what should be prioritised.

"In the month of Rabiulawal, Muslims are advised to focus more on efforts to increase their knowledge and understanding of the prophet's history (sirah) to be made a guidance in life whether it is related to religious affairs or daily life," he added.

Last Tuesday, the concert poster featuring artists such as Baby Shima and several Indonesian artists went viral.

Prior to that, Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican had voiced his objection to the concert on Facebook.

Following that, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohammad Abdul Hamid asked the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to cancel the approval of the concert that was allegedly going to take place at Dewan Millenium, Kepala Batas.

Mohammad said that the state government was aware of the public's concern regarding the concert.

The Islamic Religious Development Exco hoped that the concert would be cancelled, but it was reported that the organiser had changed its venue to Batu Kawan area with additional conditions.