Muslim ‘dulang’ girls at Hindu wedding: Penang mufti gives the nod if no religious elements involved

 

ACCORDING to the Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom “to give the green light” means to give approval or permission for a plan, project or action to begin. When you “get the green light”, you have received that permission to move forward.

To a viral video on social media depicting several Muslim women delivering dowry trays at a wedding of a non-Muslim friend, Penang mufti Associate Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman contended that society needs to be careful not to continue passing judgment based solely on short recordings.

The tray lit with candles caused various reactions among Muslim netizens – including influencers – with some condemning the action on the assumption that it resembled a certain religious ritual.

This is where Mohd Sukki stressed the need to ensure the function of the women’s participation, the context of the procession and whether the lamps or candles carried were merely decorative or had a religious ritual function.

Permitted sans religious elements

“The law against an act depends on its facts and context, not merely its outward appearance,” he opined.

“However, if it’s identified that the act of carrying lamps or candles and accompanying the bride and groom is part of a Hindu religious ritual or symbol in the ceremony, then Muslims should avoid such participation.”

He went on to explain that in a plural society like Malaysia, attending the wedding of a non-Muslim friend or neighbour is basically permissible as long as it does not involve matters that conflict with Sharia law.

“The issue that needs to be distinguished is between attending a social event and participating in a ceremony or behaviour that has a religious element such as a feast, expressing congratulations, giving gifts and celebrating friendship which is not the same as taking on a specific role in a ritual,” he outlined.

This clarification was also shared on Malaysian Gazette’s Facebook page with quite a few Indian commenters shedding light on the matter, primarily by denying that the action of the said “dulang girls” carries any religious connotation.

Agreeing that the event did not have religious significance, this pragmatic observer perhaps imparted the best advice: “Just follow the guidelines as mandated by the relevant Islamic authorities.”

Highlighting the operative word in the Penang mufti’s advisory which is “if”, this eagle-eyed reader was keen to point out that there was no decree per se of banning young girls from taking part in such a wedding ceremony.

It was felt by this Muslim commenter that it was fine for them to be part of nuptial celebrations as the candles/lamps did not involve religious elements.

Few things to note about this viralled episode.

Firstly, as noted by commenters, there is NO ban on Muslims participating in a friend’s big day as “dulang girls”. Just be mindful that one is NOT taking part in any event that contain religious elements.

To ensure that one does not become an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons as advised by the Penang Mufti – “always check first”.

After all, the “dulang girls” in question would have known in advance of their participation and someone could have made discreet and appropriate enquiries to the relevant bodies.

Secondly, some may feel that Malaysians are seemingly looking to sensationalise any trivial issue into a 3R (race. religion and royalty) row.

Instead of celebrating the diversity and inclusivity that the images of the happy day captures, it has been used to further claim of erosion of religious identity among Muslims.

Last but not least, it is the unfortunate reality that netizens may have to adjust their behaviour to suit these social media obsessed times. When a content goes viral, there is every likelihood that celebrating a friend’s wedding can turn into a moral and religious debate.

One commenter’s suggestion to just show up, give congrats and gifts without “going overboard” makes valid sense.

Perhaps this was the most sensible advice given these trend-sensitive times. After all, this would still reflect communal respect and foster friendships instead of leading to online reactions that are divisive, destructive and damaging to melting pot Malaysia. 

- Focus Malaysia