Now,fatwa asks Muslims not to riot

National Fatwa Committee chairman Prof Emeritus Abdul Shukor Husin said the committee viewed seriously the issue as some Muslims had resorted to rioting during the opposition backed electoral reforms demonstrations here on April 28.

“Rioting,causing disturbance and damaging public property are all forbidden by Islam. This also applies to any intention to topple a duly-elected government by organising such demonstrations.

“No one is exempted,and cannot support any efforts that can cause harm,anxiety or unrest among Muslims to the point of the community becoming split,what more if there is bloodshed,” he said after chairing a meeting of the committee here.

On April 28,thousands of people took to the streets in the Malaysian capital to demand electoral reform and clashed with police,breaking into barricades.

Shukor said Muslims who participated in such demonstrations must repent as Islam never called on its followers to resort to any action that could threaten people’s lives just to pursue a specific agenda.

As the country practised democracy,more discussion channels could be implemented without sacrificing peace,he said.

He said the meeting also discussed the issue of lesbians,gays,bisexuals and transgenders and decided that no fatwa (edict) was needed on it as it was clearly ‘haram’ in Islam.

He reminded Muslims not to be directly or indirectly involved in any movement or campaign that supported LGBTs.

“Even showing support or sympathy (for LGBTs) is haram. It is the duty of all Muslims to get rid of this menace and if we support something that is not good,it can be said we are abetting it,which is a sin,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying.