KUALA LUMPUR: Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim has suggested that beauty pageants be replaced with more intellectual programmes for Muslim women.
She said Islam did not prohibit women from taking part in any competition as long as it did not degrade themselves, violate the rules of Islam and shame the family.
"It's better to participate in programmes or competitions which involve the brain so that beautiful women will look more beautiful with brain power.
"Intellectual competitions are more beneficial to beautiful women, as well as religiously appropriate," she told Bernama.
She was commenting on the decision of four Muslim women to continue competing for the Miss World Malaysia 2013 title on Aug 2, although their names had been dropped.
She urged the women to respect the edict issued by the National Fatwa Council which forbade Muslim women from taking part in beauty pageants.
She said the edict was issued by a mufti who was knowledgeable and had carried out in-depth studies before issuing any edict.
Young Ulama secretariat committee chairman Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya proposed that the women seek consultation on religious affairs, especially in the context of exposing the 'aurat' (parts of the body), to enable them to understand the prohibitions involved.
"They are lacking in religious knowledge, so it is the responsibility of religious experts to clarify our religious laws, from time to time, so they do not stray," he said.
Fathul Bari said there was no compromise in regard to the 'aurat' although it was regarded lightly by the community, with some saying it was a personal issue that should not be interfered with.
"Don't judge them, instead, we should guide them as best we can," he added. - Bernama.
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