Should Muslims visit non-Muslim houses of worship for learning?

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The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) Advocates for Restriction on Muslims Visiting Non-Muslim Houses of Worship for Learning

The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) asserts that activities involving Muslims visiting non-Muslim houses of worship, such as churches and temples, for the purpose of learning about other religions should be rejected and restricted. Mais chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof contends that such engagements can have negative implications for Islam and contravene existing laws that prohibit the proselytisation of other faiths to Muslims. While acknowledging that Islam permits friendship and tolerance towards non-Muslims, he stressed the necessity of establishing boundaries to prevent Muslims from developing an interest in other religions.
Prioritising the Preservation of Faith

Abdul Aziz referenced Islamic jurisprudence, which generally prioritises the avoidance of harm over the attainment of benefits. From this perspective, he argued that open visits by Muslims to non-Muslim places of worship are more likely to pose a risk to the preservation of Islamic faith, particularly among Muslim youth. Mais views programmes like the "Jom Ziarah," which includes planned visits to churches, as potentially influencing Muslim youths to become inclined towards religions other than Islam, thereby posing a threat to their religious conviction.
Legal Ramifications in Selangor

In Selangor, any attempt to persuade Muslims to adopt or favour non-Islamic religions constitutes an offense under the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims) Enactment 1988. This legislation stipulates a maximum penalty of one year's imprisonment and a fine of up to RM10,000, or a combination of both, for individuals found guilty of persuading, influencing, or inciting a Muslim towards any non-Islamic religion or away from Islam. Mais maintains that it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard the religious beliefs of Muslims within Malaysia.
Government's Clarification on Program Intent

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has clarified that the "Jom Ziarah" church event, organised by Impact Malaysia, would not involve any Muslim youths. She further stated that previous visits conducted under the programme had no Muslim participants. Yeoh explained that the programme's objective is not to equate different religions but rather to facilitate an understanding of their differences, thereby fostering harmonious coexistence among Malaysia's multiracial and multireligious population. Impact Malaysia, the organiser, has described the "Jom Ziarah" event as part of an initiative aimed at promoting an inclusive Malaysia.

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Should Muslims visit non-Muslim houses of worship for learning?

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