Penang mufti says only ‘personal advice’ that Siti’s concert too close to Ramadan

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s upcoming March 9 concert is too close to the beginning of the Ramadan month, which is expected to fall on March 11, says Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, who also said he was only making his personal opinion known.

This came after Siti Nurhaliza said she had decided to continue with the March 9 date, following Wan Salim’s earlier call for a postponement.

Wan Salim said he was merely giving advice, saying he was concerned with the chosen date as it is only two days before this year’s Ramadan is expected to begin.

“I made the advice sincerely for the sake of all Muslims, not for popularity or personal gains.

“It is important to note that a good deed or an action of a Muslim will be judged by Allah based on his sincere intention and it must be done according to the Islamic rules.

“This means that doing something done with a sincere intention is not enough because the action must follow the Islamic rules,” he was quoted as saying by Malay language daily Sinar Harian on Sunday (Jan 21).

The concert titled “Sebuah Epitome Saya Siti Nurhaliza” is scheduled to be held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on March 9.

On Jan 19, Siti Nurhaliza, in an Instagram post, uploaded a media statement from Nurjiwa Foundation saying it accepted Wan Salim’s advice “wholeheartedly and appreciates the call”.

The statement also said that the reservation for the concert premises was made last year and that they were unable to change the date.

It was also announced that Siti Nurhaliza wanted to hold the concert with the intention of raising funds for food and basic supplies to be sent to the Palestinians who are currently being massacred by the Israeli government.

Wan Salim said he welcomed Nurjiwa’s response to his advice, saying he had never questioned the intention of the concert’s organisers.

“I would like to remind all that the personal opinion of a mufti is not binding on any Muslim or non-Muslim because a mufti is not perfect or protected from making mistakes.

“I understand that the concert is being held with a good and sincere intention. But that is not the focus of my advice. All I am saying is that the date is too close to the Ramadan month.

“It is up to the relevant parties and the public to either accept the advice given or to reject it,” he added.