By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Feb 9 — The practice of mutual understanding between cultures and religions, as well as harmonious interactions among communities — known as “Li Ta’arafu” — has long been upheld by Muslims in Selangor.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah said Muslims in Selangor continue to safeguard their faith and adhere to religious boundaries while coexisting with non-Muslim communities in their daily lives.
“Muslims in Selangor are generally well-educated and possess a high level of religious awareness. I believe they are mature in their thinking and capable of discerning matters related to Islam,” he said.
In a statement today, Fahmi also expressed gratitude for the decree by Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who opposed the proposal to introduce guidelines for Muslims attending religious events of other faiths.
Fahmi also encouraged Muslims in the state to refer to official sources for guidance on religious matters.
He said the sources include the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), the Selangor Syariah Judiciary Department, and the Selangor Mufti Department.
“May the prominence of Islam continue to be upheld in Selangor so that the state’s cultural diversity and racial unity remain strong and serve as a model for others,” he added.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin stated that he did not support the proposal to establish guidelines for Muslims attending religious celebrations of other faiths.
His Royal Highness viewed the proposal as ill-timed, given the ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and national unity among Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Cabinet had decided there was no need to introduce such guidelines, and the matter would be presented to Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, who chairs the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).
Previously, the media reported that the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) was in the final stages of drafting guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim religious celebrations and funeral rites.
