SEPANG: The National Fatwa Committee has decided that it is "haram" (not permissible) for Muslims to participate in any gathering or demonstration that is unproductive, is against the law or causes disturbance in the country.

Its chairman Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said the committee viewed seriously this issue as some Muslims resorted to rioting during street demonstrations, as had happened in the federal capital on April 28.

"Rioting, causing disturbances 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 no one should 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 told reporters after chairing the 99th meeting of the committee here Sunday.

As such, he said Muslims who participated in such demonstrations must repent because Islam never called on its followers to resort to any action that could threaten people's lives just to pursue a specific agenda.

Abdul Shukor said as the country practised democracy, much more useful discussion channels could be implemented without having to sacrifice the peace in the country.

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

Besides avoiding unnatural sex, Abdul Shukor also 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 rid this menace and if we support something that is not good, it can be said we are abbetting it, which is a sin," he said.

He added that idolising leaders who supported LGBTs should also be avoided because Islam itself had listed the qualities to look for in a leader which among others were good morals, piety, being knowledgeable and trustworthiness.

He said the meeting also called on the authorities to act to stop the menace (LGBTs) from spreading.

On another note, Abdul Shukor also advised leaders, individuals and the media to stop openly revealing detestable things allegedly committed by certain parties as Islam prohibited this and that it was better to leave it to the authorities to handle. - Bernama

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