FT Mufti Office says nay to Bkt Bintang’s water music fanfare, wants “sinful, immoral” event scrapped

 

BETTER be late than never.

One wonders if the statement is merely a PR (public relations) exercise to pacify PAS-led rightist groups who has since day one been opposing the three-day Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC)-backed Rave Water Music Festival 2026 which commences today (April 30).

Henceforth, it remains to be seen if there is any good for the Federal Territory (FT) Mufti Office’s to voice its opposition and objections today (April 30) on grounds that the event runs afoul of values, manners and the syariah (Islamic) law when it is is already on-going.

While Islam does not reject entertainment absolutely, it expressed concern over the “the free association between men and women without clear boundaries”.

“The open and uncontrolled atmosphere of the festival has the potential to encourage excessive interaction between non-spouses when Islam emphasises manners and limits on social interaction to maintain personal dignity,” justified the FT Mufti Office in its lecture series #351.

“In addition, the concept of a water festival usually involves clothing that does not meet the requirements of covering the aurat, especially when wet, which can reveal the shape of the body, thus contradicting the demands of Islamic law.”

Moreover, excessive entertainment elements such as loud music, free dancing and an over-excitement “can lead to neglect of remembering Allah SWT and abandonment of religious obligations such as prayer.

“In many cases, such festivals are also associated with immoral activities such as drinking alcohol and abusing prohibited substances although this does not necessarily occur in all events,” contended the FT Mufti Office.

“However, based on the fiqh method of sad al-zara’i (closing the doors of evil), anything that has the potential to lead to immorality should be avoided at all costs.”’

Plugging wastage

Elsewhere, the lecture also hit out at the excessive and uncontrolled use of water in during the festival solely for entertainment purposes which can be construed as wastage and an act of spendthrift when such expenditure can be channelled to reduce the hardship of the needy or underprivileged members of society.

This is because Islam strictly prohibits wastefulness and exceeding limits in utilising all the blessings of His grace.

 

“From the perspective of customary norms, the Malaysian society, the majority of whom adheres to Islamic values ​​and Eastern culture, places great emphasis on aspects of politeness, decency and maintaining self-respect,” argued the FT Mufti Office.

Malaysia Policy Analysis

As such, it advised the organisers to re-evaluate the concept and implementation of the festival to be in line with religious, cultural and local law values.

Among the steps that can be taken is to ensure that the event doesn’t involve elements that can trigger immorality such as promiscuity, abuse of prohibited substances and extreme entertainment.

Additionally, the organisers must provide clear guidelines to all parties involved including participants and artists, especially pertaining to dress code, behaviour and limits on socialising.

Security controls and strict monitoring also need to be strengthened to prevent any activities that are contrary to Islamic law. 

- focus malaysia