FatwaPenangCreed (Aqidah)
MOHON PANDANGAN BERKAITAN KAJIAN HUKUM DAN GARIS PANDUAN KUNJUNGAN ORANG ISLAM KE RUMAH IBADAT BUKAN ISLAM (RIBI) DI PULAU PINANG
What is the ruling and what are the guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Islamic places of worship in Penang?
Short answer
Visiting non-Islamic places of worship is not permitted unless for a specific purpose such as learning and understanding other cultures, provided it does not lead to slander, inclination to endorse other religious rites, or neglect of Islamic law.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Penang State Mufti Department
- Date
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Keputusan Fatwa Negeri Pulau Pinang (e-Fatwa)
- Topic
- Creed (Aqidah)
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Visiting non-Islamic places of worship is not permitted unless for a specific purpose such as learning and understanding other cultures, provided it does not lead to slander, inclination to endorse other religious rites, or neglect of Islamic law. Muslim leaders may attend on invitation as long as they keep within Islamic limits and are not made to take part in religious rituals. The fatwa prohibits visits by children who have not reached mumayyiz, joining festival rituals, wearing clothing with other religions' symbols, lighting joss sticks or candles, showing reverence to idols, and visiting to meditate. Following dress and cleanliness etiquette is allowed as it is a matter of custom.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Diharamkan kanak-kanak bawah umur yang belum mumayyiz berkunjung ke RIBI untuk mengelakkan daripada mengalami pembiasaan (habituasi) dalam minda mereka terhadap amalan kufur dan syirik
Read the full fatwa on the Penang website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Penang State Mufti Department. “MOHON PANDANGAN BERKAITAN KAJIAN HUKUM DAN GARIS PANDUAN KUNJUNGAN ORANG ISLAM KE RUMAH IBADAT BUKAN ISLAM (RIBI) DI PULAU PINANG”, 26 November 2024. http://efatwa.penang.gov.my/fatwa_details.php?fatwaid=1691. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/muslims-visiting-non-islamic-places-of-worship-ruling/