Johor fatwa provides clarity, says CCM

PETALING JAYA: The fatwa issued by the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) on Muslims and their participation in rituals of other religions provides good guidance for both Muslims and non-Muslims, says the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM).

The fatwa states that while Muslims can attend other celebrations, they cannot take part in the religious rituals associated with them.

CCM general secretary Rev Jonathan Jesudas (pic) said non-Muslims should appreciate the limits Muslims are subject to under syariah law when inviting Muslim colleagues or friends to their festivities.“The clarity provided by MAINJ is welcome and will promote greater harmony among various religious communities in Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Previously, Johor Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said Muslims in Johor were allowed to attend celebrations by people of other faiths but should not take part in their religious rituals.

This was based on Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s consent to a fatwa on Feb 2, Mohd Fared said.

He added that Muslims are permitted to attend such events if they were invited, citing open houses, weddings and funerals as examples.

Sultan Ibrahim later reaffirmed the “Bangsa Johor” concept, saying the racial and religious diversity of Johor will always be respected.

His Majesty said the fatwa issued by the MAINJ last Thursday was not in conflict with inter-faith values of tolerance, unity and understanding as espoused under the “Bangsa Johor’’ concept.

“It is a two-way street. We must be sensitive to each other’s religious obligations in order to get along,” His Majesty said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page last Friday.