The Bangsa Johor concept promotes religious and racial diversity as well as tolerance, unity and understanding.

The Johor ruler said the religious edict was a guideline for Muslims.

“They can still attend festive events of other faiths,” he said in a statement.

Sultan Ibrahim said he hoped that this explanation would clear the air over the new fatwa adding it only clarifies what was permissible or forbidden in Islam.

“If you’re still confused, please see the state mufti for further clarification.“

Sultan Ibrahim went on to say that non-Muslims must also respect the sensitivities of Muslims, adding that it is a “two-way street”.

“We must be sensitive to each other’s religious obligations in order to get along.”

Sultan Ibrahim noted that as all religions emphasise good values like compassion, respect, tolerance, moderation and kindness, Malaysians therefore should focus on these common values rather than on racial or religious differences.

State Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Fared Khalid said ulama (religious scholars) from the four schools of Islamic thought – Shafie, Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali – had agreed that Muslims were prohibited from attending and taking part in the religious rituals of other faiths.

However, Muslims are allowed to accept invitations to a ceremony in conjunction with a celebration involving people of other faiths that had no religious rituals.

When contacted by FMT, state mufti Yahya Ahmad explained that under the fatwa, Muslims in Johor were barred from observing Thaipusam processions and taking part in Pongal harvest festival celebrations.

He explained that these celebrations are defined as religious rituals under the fatwa as they are “exclusive” to Hindus.