Entertainment guideline to ensure Muslims don't stray - Jamil Khir

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the guideline was also important in view of today's entertainment which contained elements which were haram (not permitted in Islam).

As such, he said, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had provided guidelines for those involved in the local entertainment industry when organising an event.

"Islam does not prevent Muslims from going for entertainment and listening to music," he said yesterday.

"However, according to the Islamic perspective, the art form must promote good and draw us to religion and to submit to Allah," he added.

Jamil said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the 23rd National Nasyid Festival in Bukit Katil here which was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.