GEORGE TOWN: Islam does not encourage its followers to commemorate the spirits of their ancestors by dancing or worshipping, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said today.
Wan Salim said, such a practice, is feared could lead to syirik (polytheism idolatry).
Commenting on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad's statement yesterday where Muslims were advised not to take part in the Bon Odori Festival to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex on July 16 as the festival contained elements of other religions, he said:
"Since this festival (Bon Odori) has to do with commemorating the spirits or spirits of the ancestors, then it is feared it could lead to syirik.
"My advice to all Muslims is to always preserve the purity of the Islamic faith by avoiding getting involved in festivals like this," he said today.
According to Wan Salim, the way to remember family members in Islam is to pray for the well-being of their souls to be blessed by Allah and to be forgiven of all their sins.
He said offsprings were also advised to always read the holy verses and give alms with the intention that the reward of all these good deeds was conveyed to the deceased family members who had moved to the eternal realm.
"The way of commemorating the spirits of ancestors by dancing, worshiping their spirits and so on is not encouraged in Islam.
"In fact, it is feared that they will fall into the sin of syirik," he added.
Yesterday, Idris had advised Muslims not to take part in the Bon Odori Festival as the festival contained elements of other religions.
He had said that a study conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) found that the festival has religious elements.
He was asked to comment on the organisation of the annual Japanese festival, which had received negative reactions on social media, especially among Muslims in the country.
The event's promotional poster also depicted an anime of a kimono-clad woman wearing a hijab.