Christian group welcomes Johor fatwa on non-Muslim rituals

 

The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) has welcomed the Johor Islamic authority’s move to issue a fatwa on the types of events hosted by other faiths that Muslims can attend, and which ones the religion prohibits them from participating.

In a statement, CCM secretary-general Jonathan Jesudas said the fatwa by Johor Islamic Religious Committee (MAINJ) is good guidance not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims to better understand the limits set by Islamic law, and thus be more sensitive when inviting their Muslim friends to festive events and celebrations.

“MAINJ chairperson Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid reportedly said that Muslims in Johor are allowed to attend celebrations held by people of other faiths but they should not take part in their religious rituals.

“He is reported to have cited open houses, weddings, and funerals are among such events Muslims are permitted to attend if they are invited. Under the fatwa, Muslims have been banned and prohibited from participating in non-Islamic celebration rituals which include in the religious houses of worship or in other places.

“This is good guidance both for Muslims and non-Muslims. Non-Muslims should appreciate the limits that Muslims are subject to Syariah and be sensitive to the religious beliefs of Muslims when they invite their Muslim colleagues and friends to their festivities and celebrations,” he said.

CCM secretary-general Jonathan Jesudas

Jesudas added that the fatwa had provided clarity, which would “definitely promote greater harmony and interaction among the various religious communities in Malaysia."

Two days ago, it was reported that MAINJ has issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from attending and participating in religious rituals of other faiths in the state.

Fared was quoted by Bernama saying that Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has consented to the fatwa, which came into effect on February 2.

Later on the same day, Sultan Ibrahim reportedly said that the fatwa was in no way in conflict with interfaith values of tolerance, unity and understanding as espoused under the “Bangsa Johor” concept.

The monarch said it only prohibits Muslims from taking part in other religious rituals and they can still attend festive events of other faiths.

Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim earlier today attended a luncheon held in conjunction with Thaipusam, held at the Arulmigu Sri Bala Subramaniar Temple in Skudai.

According to a posting on his Facebook, the ruler was accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and two state exco members, Raven Kumar Krishnasamy and Ling Tian Soon. - Mkini