GEORGE TOWN: Muslims in the country are urged to boycott an upcoming concert by a popular artiste from the United Kingdom, who is said to be a staunch supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.
Penang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said it was regrettable that the concert was allowed to be held in the country.
"I call on all Muslims in this country to shun the concert.
"Remember that Muslims are prohibited from cooperating in matters (that lead to) sin or immorality as stated in the Quran," he said today.
He was commenting on the concert that will take place at the end of February, about two weeks before the start of Ramadan.
The 32-year-old male artiste is said to be a staunch supporter of the LGBT community and flies the LGBT rainbow flag in his concerts organised in other countries.
Elaborating, Wan Salim said as a country with a majority-Muslim population, space should not be provided for concerts by such artistes who support practices prohibited not only by Islam, but by other religions as well.
"It is the government's responsibility to prevent evil as clearly stated in the Quran.
"As a mufti, I feel responsible to urge the Malaysian government, through the Communications and Digital ministries, to immediately withdraw the permission to hold the concert," he added.
He also requested the authorities to respect the views of muftis.
"Furthermore, the ban on LGBT activities is not an 'ijtihad ulama' but is based on the 'nusus syar'iyyah', which is clearly mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.
"Every Muslim certainly knows that Islam rejects all types of relationships that are not based on a valid marriage.
"All heavenly religions are against LGBT activities because they bring the country and people to the brink of destruction," he said.