“This is only related to mu’amalat (part of fiqh) such as tithes, nazar (vow) and kaffarah (actions which can eradicate sins).

“However, worship which is physical in nature (ibadat Badaniyah) such as prayers and fasting should not be represented by others (non-Muslims),” he said at the breaking of fast and payment of business tithes here.

Commenting on pictures of several non-Muslim elected representatives in Penang distributing tithes to recipients which have been going viral on social media, he said Penang Zakat (ZPP) only channels tithes via several quarters including Muslim and non-Muslim elected representatives to be disseminated to recipients.

“As long there is no malpractice, in my opinion it need not be turned into an issue.

“As mufti, I wish to urge Muslims not to blow up a trifling matter like this, but to be more focused on extra important matters to spur economic development and the education of Muslims so they can achieve a higher position and be on par with the other races,” he said.