In his paper on Islam and entertainment presented
at a national forum here, Abdul Raof Nurin said the Shafie stream of Islam only
allows Muslims to listen to music that touches on love for the religion, and
urged those who want to play musical instruments to preferably stick to the
gong or kompang.

He added that the Shafie school, however, will make
an exception for the “gabus”, a stringed instrument similar to the
guitar, only if they are played according to Islamic laws.

“To listen to music that has nothing to do
with religion that includes instruments that is prohibited in Islam, coupled
with concerts that allow mixed socialisation, this distracts you from praying.

“Majority of ulama forbid the use of musical
instruments except for those drummed like the kompang, percussions even those
with bells,” he said.

  The forum was organised by the Malaysian Muslim
Consumer Group (PPIM) and the Human Development and Investigation Bureau.

Professor at the National Art and Heritage Academy
(Aswara) Datuk Baharudin Ahmad, however, said the instruments alone are not
“haram” or forbidden, but the sounds they make are, since they are often used
to play music that encourages immoral activities like free mingling of the
genders.

“Instruments like the trumpet, the trumpet is
not a problem, the sound that comes out of it [is],” Baharudin told the
forum.

Both the scholars in their presentations said
entertainment in Malaysia is too influenced by the West, which often insert
messages of total freedom and blind consumerism. As example, Abdul Raof cited the many singing
competitions, which he said provided for lucrative awards.

He said such events inculcate materialism among the
young.

“Entertainment today is about ringgit and
materialism. That is why today we see humans racing to elevate their economic
status, add more materials and collect more money”.

The Muslim religious scholar added the high suicide
rates in the west proved the detriments of such lifestyle.

“We just look at the experiences of those who
have gone through this. In the US and other rich countries many of those with
wealth, stature, smart have committed suicide,” he added.

Baharuddin on the other hand said materialistic
entertainment was so ingrained in today’s society that households that families
spend a huge chunk of their salaries on entertainment like football jerseys and
branded clothings.

“Such indulgence have made household spending
imbalanced,” he said.

Baharuddin said much of the blame goes to “low
quality” urbanisation, and urged the government to help promote a more
“traditional life”.

Hardline Islamic groups have long called for
Putrajaya to rein in its entertainment industry, claiming it was too
western-centric.

However, other civil rights advocates said such
demands underscored the creeping Islamisation in Malaysia and has tarnished its
moderate image, affecting investments and driving the country’s young away.