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MUSLIMS are permitted, or “harus”, to attend non-Islamic celebrations provided they do not involve any religious rituals, according to Datuk Dr Nooh Gadot, Chairman of the Muafakat Committee under the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI).
In a statement issued today, Dr Nooh said, “It is “harus” for Muslims to accept invitations or attend events such as open houses or festive dinners held in conjunction with non-Islamic celebrations, so long as the food is halal and there is no entertainment or activity prohibited by Islamic law.”
However, he stressed that participation in religious rituals of other faiths is strictly forbidden.
“Scholars from the four schools of thought — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali — are unanimous in their view that it is *haram* and absolutely forbidden for Muslims to attend non-Islamic religious ceremonies,” he said.
“This prohibition includes rituals held in places of worship as well as in other locations where such religious activities commonly take place,” he added.
Dr Nooh clarified that while Islam promotes respect for adherents of other faiths, that respect does not extend to involvement in their acts of worship.
“Participation, whether direct or indirect, in religious celebrations or rituals of other religions is contrary to Islamic teachings and can undermine one’s faith,” he warned.
He explained that such involvement could lead to several adverse outcomes, including “undermining the belief in monotheism, violating established legal rulings and fatwas, encouraging liberal interpretations of religion without syariah guidance, and weakening the Islamic identity within society,” in addition to sowing confusion among the younger generation.
Dr Nooh cited existing references for guidance, including a 2005 publication by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), “Muslims Also Celebrate the Religious Holidays of Non-Muslims”, as well as state-level fatwas and legal guidelines.
“Maintaining one’s faith is the duty of every Muslim,” he said. “Muslims must avoid participating in non-Islamic religious rituals even if such participation is framed as cultural or symbolic.”
He called on educational institutions, mosques and the media to strengthen proper religious education based on the creed of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. “All parties — including parents, teachers, community leaders, and authorised institutions — must act wisely in guiding the Muslim community to avoid blurring the lines between religion and culture.”
Dr Nooh concluded by advising the public to “preserve their faith and religious sensitivities by refraining from participating in any ceremonies, parades or religious rituals of non-Islamic faiths,” warning that such involvement could trigger confusion, public polemics and ultimately harm the harmony of Malaysia’s multi-religious society. - May 15, 2025