Muslims not barred from taking part in Bon Odori, says Penang mufti
Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, however, says Muslims should avoid such events if there are religious elements involved, including worshipping the spirits of ancestors.
PETALING JAYA: The Penang mufti now says Muslims are not barred from taking part in cultural events like the Bon Odori festival, seemingly backtracking on his earlier stance over the Japanese festival.
Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, however, said Muslims should avoid such events if there were religious elements, including worshipping the spirits of ancestors.
“If there are doubts over such rituals and elements in the Bon Odori festival, then they have the right to shun it,” he told FMT.
Wan Salim also said that organisers should respect Muslim sensitivities when holding such events as there were concerns it could affect one’s faith.
He urged the relevant ministry to clear the air to avoid any misunderstanding that could strain the ties among Malaysia’s multicultural and multi-religious society.
Two days ago, Wan Salim advised Muslims against taking part in the Bon Odori festival – which will be held in Penang on July 30 – for fear it could lead to polytheism.
He said Muslims should always preserve the purity of their Islamic faith by avoiding such festivals.
The brouhaha over Bon Odori was sparked after religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad reminded Muslims not to take part in the annual summer festival, claiming that the celebration was “influenced by elements of other religions”.
Idris said research conducted by Jakim, the Islamic development department, had confirmed the presence of such influence in the celebration.
Earlier today, Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah called on Idris to attend the Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam to “understand the difference between religion and culture”.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he did not want the minister to use Jakim to make “confusing and inaccurate statements which could negatively affect the image and reputation of the department”.
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The celebration, organised by the Japanese community in Malaysia, is making a return after a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19. It will be held in Shah Alam on July 16.