Kozhikode, Kerala - The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a premier council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars in Kerala, has issued a statement urging Muslims to refrain from participating in ceremonies and practices performed by followers of other religions.
The statement comes amid a controversy over IUML MLA Fatima Tahliya lighting a traditional lamp at a function in her constituency, sparking a debate over whether a Muslim public representative should participate in such ceremonies.
Islamic scholars argue that while Muslims should show friendship and tolerance towards followers of other faiths, they should avoid participating in rituals that have no basis in Islam.
However, they clarified that using a nilavilakku purely as a source of light is permissible, and urged people to exercise caution while maintaining communal harmony.
