PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah wants Sisters In Islam (SIS) Forum Malaysia to stop using the term “Sisters in Islam” in any form of publication on any platform associated with the company.
This is to ensure the word “Islam” is not arbitrarily used for the benefit and interests of the organisation, the Ruler said while expressing his disappointment over the Federal Court’s decision that SIS Forum, being a company, could not be subjected to the fatwa issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais).
Earlier yesterday, the Federal Court, in a 3-1 majority decision, held that the SIS Forum, being a company, could not be subjected to the fatwa issued by Mais, as only individuals professing Islam, not companies, fall under its purview.
“His Royal Highness is in agreement with the contents of the statement issued by Mais concerning this latest decision.
“His Royal Highness emphasised that the misuse of the word ‘Islam’ in the name and publications of SIS Forum (Malaysia) could cause confusion among the Muslim community.
“In light of the Federal Court’s decision, the Sultan of Selangor, as the Head of Islam in the state, urges SIS Forum to cease using the term ‘Sisters in Islam’ in any form of publication on any platform associated with the company, so that the word ‘Islam’ is not arbitrarily used for the benefit and interests of the organisation,” according to the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page.
Mais chairman Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin stated that the court’s decision indirectly interferes with the process of issuing and applying fatwas related to Islamic legal matters.
He said Mais did not agree with part of the apex court’s majority decision but instead it supported fully the dissenting view by one of the judges.
“Mais also expresses concern that the majority decision of the Federal Court in this case may open the door for certain irresponsible groups to hide behind the name of Islam within a company, organisation or institution in order to practise and spread deviant teachings that go against Islamic teachings, thereby avoiding enforcement action against them.
“If left unaddressed, it may lead to confusion and could jeopardise the faith (aqidah) of Muslims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the government will study the implications of the court judgment to safeguard the role of fatwa institutions.
He said in a statement that fatwas continue to play an important role in providing Syariah-based guidance on contemporary issues affecting the Muslim community.
“In light of this, strong cooperation between the judiciary, legislature and religious authorities is important to ensure the function and credibility of fatwa institutions are respected within our constitutional framework,” he said.
