He said such participation is “harus” (permissible) under Islamic law, provided that the event does not include prohibited entertainment or activities, and the food served is halal, Bernama reported.
“However, scholars from the four schools of thought, namely Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, have unanimously agreed that it is haram and forbidden for Muslims to attend ritual ceremonies of non-Islamic religious celebrations,” he was quoted as saying in a statement today.
“This prohibition includes non-Islamic religious rituals held in places of worship as well as in other venues where such rituals are commonly performed.”
Nooh said respecting other religions does not mean joining in their worship practices, as participation in rituals contradicts Islamic teachings and may undermine one’s 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.
He pointed to a 2005 directive from the Islamic development department (Jakim) titled “Muslims Also Celebrate the Religious Holidays of Non-Muslims” and various state-level fatwas as guidance on the matter.
Nooh said Muslims must take personal responsibility for safeguarding their faith and avoid engaging in religious practices of other faiths, even under the guise of culture or symbolism.
“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,” he said.
He also urged the public to steer clear of religious parades, rituals and ceremonies that may cause misunderstandings or disrupt social harmony in Malaysia’s multi-religious society.