MKI: Muslims may attend non-Islamic celebrations if no rituals involved

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: It is 'harus' or permissible for Muslims to attend invitations or events for non-Islamic celebrations without any religious rituals said the Chairman of the Muafakat Committee, National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) Datuk Dr Nooh Gadot.
He stated that this includes open house events or dinner gatherings in conjunction with non-Islamic celebrations and the like, provided that the food served is halal and there is no entertainment or activities prohibited by Islamic law.
"However, scholars from the four schools of thought, namely Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hambali, have unanimously agreed that it is haram and completely forbidden for Muslims to attend ritual ceremonies of non-Islamic religious celebrations.
"This prohibition includes non-Islamic religious rituals held in places of worship as well as in other venues where such rituals are commonly performed," he said in a statement today.
According to him, respecting followers of other religions does not mean supporting or participating in their worship, but participation in any form of other religious celebrations or rituals, whether directly or indirectly, is contrary to Islamic teachings and can undermine faith.
"The participation of Muslims in non-Islamic religious practices brings negative consequences such as undermining the belief in monotheism, violating legal boundaries and references to valid fatwas, creating liberal thoughts without guidance from Islamic law, as well as undermining Islamic identity in society, besides causing confusion among the younger generation," he said.
Nooh stated that the notification regarding "Muslims Also Celebrate the Religious Holidays of Non-Muslims" published by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in 2005 and the legal guidelines and state fatwas on this matter can be referred to by the Muslim community in Malaysia.
At the same time, he emphasised that maintaining faith is the responsibility of every Muslim and that the Islamic community should avoid any form of participation in the religious rituals of other religions, even for cultural or symbolic reasons.
"Educational institutions, mosques, and the media need to strengthen the proper education of faith based on the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah. All parties, including parents, teachers, community leaders, and authoritative bodies, must act wisely to guide the community so that they do not get caught up in the confusion of values between religion and culture.
"The general public is also advised to always preserve their faith and religious sensitivity by not participating in any ceremonies, parades, or religious rituals of non-Islamic faiths. Such participation is feared to cause confusion, spark polemics, and jeopardise the harmony of the multi-religious society in this country," he said.–BERNAMA