FatwaPerlisLegal Theory & Methodology
Resolusi Persidangan Majlis Ilmuwan Nusantara Kali Ke-2, Tahun 2024
How does Islam assess the customs, culture and arts of a people, and when are they considered contrary to Islamic law?
Short answer
Customs, culture and arts fall under social dealings (muamalah), so the default ruling is that they are permissible.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Perlis State Mufti Department
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Himpunan Fatwa Negeri Perlis
- Topic
- Legal Theory & Methodology
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Customs, culture and arts fall under social dealings (muamalah), so the default ruling is that they are permissible. They conflict with Islam if they contain shirk, superstition or myths, are treated as specific acts of worship without evidence and so become innovation, violate Islamic rulings or ethics, or imitate the rituals of other religions. Customs containing prohibited elements can be reformed by removing those elements, and Islam does not require a people to replace their customs with Arab, Malay or other customs.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Adat, budaya dan seni sekalipun tidak mempunyai unsur keagamaan seperti dakwah atau ketuhanan tetap dibolehkan, selagi mana tiada perkara-perkara yang bertentangan dengan syariat.
Read the full fatwa on the Perlis website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Perlis State Mufti Department. “Resolusi Persidangan Majlis Ilmuwan Nusantara Kali Ke-2, Tahun 2024”, date not stated. https://muftiperlis.gov.my/index.php/himpunan-fatwa-negeri/1043-resolusi-persidangan-majlis-ilmuwan-nusantara-kali-ke-2-tahun-2024. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-custom-culture-and-arts-in-islam/