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13 May 2012| last updated at 09:03PM

Perlis Mufti defends National Fatwa Council

By By Rahmah Ghazali

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KUALA LUMPUR: Perlis Mufti Dr Juanda Jaya has defended the National Fatwa Council edict that bars Muslims from taking part in unlawful assemblies.

 In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia, he said even the  non-Muslims respected the fatwa.

  He said those who attacked the fatwa were worried if the  society was not on their side and questioned their cred ibility.

  “When they say that their views must be followed, then  those who do not follow are sinful! This is very serious in  Islam,” said Juanda, adding that this justified the council’s  fatwa that any demonstration that brings damage was haram  (forbidden).

  “I am confident everyone can accept this fatwa except  those who love to do damages in this country,” he said.

  Last week, the council chief Tan Sri Abdul Shukor Husin  said that it was haram for Muslims to to participate in any  gathering or demonstration that is unproductive, is unlawful  or causes disturbance in the country.

  He said the committee viewed this issue seriously as some  some Muslims had resorted to rioting during the Bersih 3.0  street demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur on April 28.

  “Rioting, causing disturbances and damaging public prop erty are all forbidden by Islam. This also applies to any  intention to topple a duly elected government by organising  such demonstrations,” he was reportedly said.

  In response to this, Juanda clarified that the council did not  focus on Bersih only but all assemblies that could cause  damages in the country.

  “Protesting and gathering is a right recognised in the  religion ... but it needs to be done in a civilised way,” he  said.

Juanda also called those who are not satisfied with such  fatwa to bring the matter up with their state muftis since the  decision was made by 13 state muftis (not including the  Federal Territories) and members appointed by the coun cil.

  “This means, anybody who is not satisfied, whether they  are from Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat, should meet  their state muftis.

  “If you don’t agree with the view of the mufti in the state  which you govern, ask the mentri besar to sack the mufti. Do  you dare?” he asked.

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