By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 7: The federal government is in the final stages of drafting new guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim religious celebrations, funerals, and events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has taken the lead in formulating these guidelines, complementing existing directives such as the 2005 Guidelines on Muslims Participating in Non-Muslim Religious Celebrations and the 2024 Guidelines on Islamic Content in New Media.
The new guidelines set specific conditions for Muslim participation in non-Muslim events, including prohibiting speeches, songs, or materials that promote other religions or insult Islam; ensuring events do not take place during Muslim prayer times, such as during the call to prayer (azan), congregational prayers, or Friday prayers; restricting events from being held near mosques, suraus, Islamic cemeteries, or waqf (endowment) lands; preventing non-Islamic religious symbols from being displayed at event venues; and requiring organisers to seek approval from relevant authorities, particularly when inviting Muslim attendees or leaders.
“The guidelines will be reviewed and finalised at the 126th Muzakarah Committee Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), scheduled for Feb 25 to 27, 2025.
“Once implemented, the new framework will supersede any conflicting provisions in the 2005 guidelines while continuing to serve as a reference for interfaith engagements involving the Muslim community,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan on Feb 4.
In a separate statement uploaded on his Facebook page on Feb 5, Na’im has clarified that the proposed guidelines, still under development, seek to provide advice on how Muslims can attend non-Muslim religious events in a respectful manner while adhering to Islamic principles.
“These guidelines are advisory in nature. Once finalised, they will serve as a reference to strengthen unity and mutual respect among Malaysians while ensuring that Muslim participation in such activities does not lead to misunderstandings or religious sensitivities,” he said.
He further said the guidelines are currently undergoing stakeholder consultations, including discussions with state Islamic religious councils (MAIN). They will be further reviewed by the 126th Muzakarah Committee Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), chaired by Dato’ Nooh Gadot and comprising state muftis and subject matter experts. The final decision will then be presented to the MKI meeting, chaired by the Sultan of Perak.
“I urge the public not to misinterpret or politicise the issue. The guidelines are intended to ensure religious events are conducted in an orderly manner and contribute to national harmony,” he concluded. – DayakDaily
