Guidelines For Entertainment Performance Events In The State Of Perlis

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.