Entertainment and Current Affairs

RULING ON MUSLIMS' PARTICIPATION IN NON-MUSLIM CELEBRATIONS IN THE MALAYSIAN CONTEXT

Performing acts of kindness toward non-Muslims by Muslims is something that is required. However, efforts to perform such acts of kindness must in no way contradict Islamic creed ('aqidah).

Attending and participating in non-Islamic religious celebratory ceremonies is prohibited, as it involves the rituals of a non-Islamic faith or forbidden tasyabbuh (emulation of non-Islamic religious practices).

Attending non-Muslim celebration gatherings or open houses that do not involve religious ritual ceremonies with the Muslims in attendance is permissible. This applies if there is a necessity to undertake such matters, such as for family relations, neighborly relations, and community leadership, on the basis of safeguarding public benefit (maslahah) or the interests of da'wah (Islamic propagation), on condition that one does not approve of disbelief (kufr).

Greetings of felicitation in conjunction with non-Muslim celebrations constitute an issue that has given rise to differing scholarly opinions. Based on the reality in Malaysia, it is permissible to extend greetings of felicitation to non-Muslims if such practice has become a cultural matter and is no longer a religious practice. This is on condition that the expression does not contain meanings of polytheism (shirk) or disbelief (kufr). This permissibility is subject to necessity, such as safeguarding public benefit (maslahah) or the interests of da'wah (Islamic propagation).

GUIDELINES FOR ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCE EVENTS IN THE STATE OF PERLIS (CONCERTS, ACTING, DANCE, AND SIMILAR EVENTS)

In principle, entertainment performances are permissible (ḥarus) in Islam. They are included within the natural human disposition (fiṭrah) bestowed by Allah SWT. However, entertainment performance events MAY become ḤARĀM if they contain elements that contravene sharī'ah. Therefore, an entertainment performance event must fulfil the following guidelines:

a) It must not contradict the creed ('aqīdah) and sharī'ah of Islam such as worshipping other than Allah SWT, defaming the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), disparaging the companions, casting doubt on the Day of Judgment, and encouraging the commission of fornication and transgression.

b) It must not neglect obligations towards Allah SWT such as prayer (ṣalāt), fasting (ṣawm), and the like.

c) It must not encourage excessive or extreme behaviour that degrades noble human character and morality.

d) It must be free from any form of promotion and use of alcohol, drugs, gambling, and all that contravenes sharī'ah.

e) It must not contain elements that may divide the unity of the ummah and must not harm the life, intellect, lineage, physical body, or property of individuals or the public.

f) It must not involve performances or dances where there exists mixing THAT CONTRAVENES sharī'ah between men and women in the performance or dance conducted.

g) It must not contain matters that stupify the mind such as excessive humour (refer to items a, c, and d above) and the like.

h) It must be held in a venue suitable for the type of entertainment event being organised, and organisers should refer to the relevant authorities when selecting the venue.

i) Singers, whether male or female, and performers must cover their 'awrah if they are Muslim and dress modestly if they are non-Muslim, must not engage in body movements that are lewd, or present songs with voice and lyrics that are obscene, causing sexual arousal among listeners or spectators.

j) It must be ensured that there is no unrestricted and unlimited mixing between men and women who are not maḥram leading to physical contact between "ajnabī" (unrelated) men and women.

k) The performance conducted must respect the symbols (sha'ā'ir) of Islam such as the adhān and the sensitivities of the local population.

FATWA ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Islam is a religion that safeguards the welfare of human life and the natural environment. The very purpose of Sharī‘ah is to establish public benefit (maṣlaḥah) and to prevent harm (mafsadah). Accordingly, the Perlis State Fatwa Committee hereby declares:

Any act that pollutes the environment and causes direct physical harm to humans, animals, and plants is ḥarām, except if there exists a greater and well‑established maṣlaḥah or if it is necessary to avert a clear and evident mafsadah.

Every Muslim is obliged to refrain from engaging in any activity or action that may contribute to environmental pollution and that damages life or directly disrupts the ecosystem. Any effort to protect the environment is an act encouraged by the religion and constitutes a righteous deed.