OPINION: At its 68th meeting on April 12, 2005, the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia issued four criteria and provided guidelines on non-Muslim festivals that Muslims may attend, provided they do not conflict with Islamic teachings.
Criteria 1: No ceremonies that are against the Islamic faith
The document defines this as a matter, act, saying, or situation that, if done, can impact the faith of Muslims.
One of the examples cited is that there should not be any religious symbols such as crosses, “candles”, or Christmas trees.
It said there must also not be any singing of religious songs or any speeches or signals that praise non-Muslim faiths.
This example is the one being cited by PAS Youth to show that singing carols to a crowd where Muslims were present had violated the guideline.
However, the guidelines on the Islamic Development Department’s website do not make it clear whether Muslims are barred from joining in on singing or giving speeches praising other faiths, or if it cannot be done in the presence of Muslims.
Criteria 2: No actions that are against the Islamic faith
The document defines this as matters, actions, sayings, or situations against Islamic teachings practised by Muslims.
Examples cited include wearing red Santa Claus outfits or other religious garments, serving food or drink that can be intoxicating, having decorations like church bells, Christmas trees, or the cracking of coconuts.
Other examples include events that have elements of gambling and worship.
It is not clear from the document regarding clothing whether it is merely barred Muslims from wearing such clothes or if Muslims can’t attend events where such clothes are worn.
Criteria 3: The event does not contain behaviour that is against the morals and culture of Muslim society.
Examples cited include unrestrained mingling, immodest dressing, music with lyrics of worship or profanity, and programmes such as beauty pageants or cockfighting.
Criteria 4: The event does not touch on the sensitivities of Muslims.
Examples cited include speeches or songs that preach non-Muslim faiths, speeches that insult Muslims and Islam, or performances that aim to insult Muslim beliefs.
This brought about several ambiguities and gray areas.
What of office Christmas and year-end parties, even if secular in nature? Would a Christmas tree or the jaga (watchman) dressed in a Santa outfit make it out of bounds to Muslim staff?
What about normal social and business interactions with colleagues and business associates wishing each other? Will it compel the introduction of an unusual generic greeting: “Happy Holidays”?
These are religious guidelines, not civil laws. However, state religious authorities could potentially take action against Muslims for public participation, under Shariah regulations.
Above all, it is a contradiction of sorts. Malaysia has a long history of multicultural interaction. Many Muslims, especially in diverse workplaces and communities, continued to attend festive gatherings as a sign of respect and friendship, often ignoring the fatwa.
Political figures often walked a tightrope. While some conservative politicians upheld the fatwa, others, including ministers, attended open houses of non-Muslim ministers.
But adhering strictly to the guidelines led to controversy in December 2023.
A bakery chain refused to write Christmas greetings on its cakes, citing that it was just adhering to the ruling by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
Christmas greetings on its cake, citing conditions imposed by Jakim, which lifted a ban on non-Islamic festive greetings.
It clarified that businesses holding Malaysian Halal Certification face no restrictions when it comes to inscribing celebratory messages on cake orders or similar items.
Yet, last month, the Melaka Islamic Department (MAIS) went further, banning Christmas decorations in halal-certified eateries.
The document circulating on social media cites a meeting held on Oct 31, referring to a clause in the Malaysian Halal Certification Manual which prohibits violations of Islamic principles or the display of content with “negative implications.”
The directive appears to contradict federal guidelines from Jakim, which had clarified in 2020 and 2023 that halal certification covers food, ingredients, preparation, storage, and hygiene.
It does not cover shop decorations or festive greetings.
The backlash was swift. Sarawak’s Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah voiced his disbelief, ridiculing the ban, and suggesting its proponents live alone “as hermits.”
Then Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan stepped in to have the final say: “Halal-certified establishments are allowed to display decorations for non-Muslim faiths, including Christmas, provided certain conditions are met.”
Over the years, there were few problems with the fatwa itself, but its weaponisation by self-appointed experts and organisations for selfish ends. Guidelines have been misinterpreted, twisted, and imposed to suit narrow agendas.
When I retired nine years ago, I vowed to avoid writing on race and religion. That vow did not last. Pushed against the wall by idiotic and foolhardy individuals, I had to speak up. Silence only emboldens those who seek to impose their values on us.
I do not insult or degrade any religion or culture. On the contrary, my writings aim to enlighten Malaysians about the covert attempts of narrow-minded actors to dominate public life. If we do not stand up and speak out, the nation risks being overwhelmed by their falsehoods.
I aim to reestablish some form of sanity and rationality in our society. We should no longer be subjected, frightened, or cajoled by a handful.
A few want to impose their moral standards and values on the rest of Malaysians. If we do not stand up and say our piece, the nation will be overwhelmed by their falsehoods.
Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity. Fatwas may guide, but they must not be twisted into tools of fear.
We must choose respect over restriction, and keep rationality at the heart of our multicultural society.”
The time has come to reclaim rationality, resist intimidation, and remind ourselves that respect -- not restriction is the true foundation of a multicultural society.
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