Kuala Lumpur: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is finalising the guidelines on the participation of Muslims in non-Muslim religious celebrations, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He said the guidelines cover the involvement of Muslims in festive celebrations and funeral rites of non-Muslims, as well as visits to and events held in non-Muslim places of worship.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these guidelines will be finalised during the 126th Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Muzakarah Committee, scheduled from February 25 to 27, as stated in a written reply uploaded on Parliament’s website. The response was made to a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) regarding the government’s stance on the celebration of non-Muslim religious festivals at government premises involving Muslims, emphasizing the need to safeguard their faith while promoting racial unity.

Mohd Na’im explained that the guidelines specify that Muslim participation in such celebrations should not include activities that may offend Muslim sensitivities. These activities include speeches or songs with religious propaganda, the distribution of religious materials, and performances or speeches that mock Islamic beliefs. The guidelines also address events held during prayer times, such as the call to prayer (azan), congregational prayers, sermons, and Friday prayers.

Mohd Na’im added that organisers must seek prior approval from the relevant authorities and consult Islamic religious bodies if the event involves Muslim leaders or individuals before proceeding. He mentioned that the new guidelines would complement the existing one endorsed by the MKI Fatwa Committee during its 68th meeting on April 12, 2005, which can still serve as a reference. However, any provisions in the previous guidelines that contradict the new ones will no longer be applicable.

He affirmed that the government remains firm in its stance that the faith of Muslims must be safeguarded while maintaining harmony among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, in line with Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution.