JOHOR BARU: Muslims in Johor are allowed to attend celebrations held by people of other faiths, but they should not take part in their religious rituals, says state Islamic Religious Affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
“This is based on Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s consent to a fatwa on Thursday,” he said.
Citing open houses, weddings and funerals as examples, he said Muslims were permitted to attend such events if they were invited.
This is based on the opinions of a number of Muslim scholars who stated that the law of accepting invitations to non-Muslim celebrations, such as open houses, was both necessary and permissible.
“In this context, organisers of non-Muslim celebrations should be sensitive and ensure the sensitivity of Muslims is respected in line with Islam’s position as the federal religion and the official religion of Johor,” he said at a press conference pertaining to the fatwa.
He said the Johor Ruler had consented to the fatwa, which forbids Muslims in the state from taking part in the rituals of other faiths.
“Under the fatwa, Muslims have been banned and prohibited from participating in non-Islamic celebration rituals, which include those performed in religious houses of worship or other places.
“However, Muslims are allowed to fulfil invitations to a non-Islamic celebration but should not be involved in any ritual ceremony related to the practice of other faiths,” he added.
