Jawi probes groundbreaking event with multi-faith prayers

Jawi probes groundbreaking event with multi-faith prayers

The department says further investigations will be carried out to ensure this practice does not involve elements that contravene any Islamic rules or fatwa.

Although Jawi did not mention which ceremony it was referring to, Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony at MIC’s new headquarters saw Muslim, Christian and Hindu prayers being recited.
PETALING JAYA:
The federal territories Islamic religious department (Jawi) is probing a groundbreaking ceremony in Kuala Lumpur which involved a recitation of prayers (doa) by a Muslim alongside rituals involving non-Muslims.

In a statement, Jawi said it is investigating the ceremony to ensure it did not involve elements that contravene any Islamic rules or fatwa.

Although Jawi did not mention which ceremony it was referring to, Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony at MIC’s new headquarters saw Muslim, Christian and Hindu prayers being recited.

“An offence may lead to legal action and be punishable under the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997,” said Jawi.

It also said Islam encouraged harmony and tolerance among different religions, especially in a multi-ethnic country.

“However, all parties are advised to refer to religious authorities to ensure that all practices comply with established shariah rules,” it added.

A video uploaded on Makkal Osai’s Facebook page of the groundbreaking ceremony showed a man reciting a doa while sitting with a congregation of Hindu priests during a ritual.

A Hindu priest then performed a ritual, which was followed by a prayer led by a pastor.

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