The Penang Mufti Department has issued a firm advisory prohibiting Muslims from taking part in the upcoming Sonic Splash Songkran Music Beach Party set to take place at the Feringghi Heart Beach Club on April 12 and 13. The directive also extends to any involvement in organizing or promoting such events.
Penang Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman, in a statement reported by Sinar Harian, explained that the Songkran festival—celebrated by the Thai community as a traditional New Year—is closely tied to Buddhist religious practices. These include bathing Buddha statues, performing water rituals symbolizing spiritual cleansing, and paying homage to monks.
“Based on research into the content and background of this festival, Muslims are prohibited from participating in the Songkran festival, either directly or indirectly,” said Dr Sukki.
He further warned that any attempt by Muslims to replicate the festival, even under the guise of cultural or entertainment activities, is similarly discouraged. He explained that imitating rituals from other religions, even for seemingly harmless reasons, can erode faith and blur the lines of Islamic identity.
The Mufti emphasized that Songkran events often feature behavior and settings that go against Islamic principles. These include inappropriate attire, the free mixing of genders, and entertainment that may be considered excessive or morally questionable from an Islamic standpoint.
He added. “This festival is also often accompanied by elements of extreme entertainment, the free mixing of men and women, and clothing that does not cover the aurat, and all of this is clearly against Islamic law.”
The advisory serves as a reminder to the Muslim community to remain cautious about participating in festivals rooted in other religious traditions. Instead of joining such events, Dr Sukki urged Muslims to seek out positive and spiritually fulfilling activities that align with their faith.
The ban comes ahead of what’s expected to be a lively weekend beach party modeled after Thailand’s famous Songkran celebrations, which have grown popular among locals and tourists for their water fights and music entertainment. While non-Muslims remain free to participate, the Mufti’s guidance underscores the importance of religious sensitivity in multicultural Malaysia.
Information Source: World of Buzz
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