Pokemon Go forbidden for Muslims - FT Mufti

Muslims are forbidden to engage themselves in the virtual world of Pokemon characters and play the reality game of Pokemon GO due to the principles of maslahah (public interest) and harmful consequences.

Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, in a statement today, said that the ruling was made at the Federal Territories Islamic Legal Consultative Committee meeting on Aug 1.

"After studying the opinions of religious scholars and the fatwa (edict) issued, we agreed that the edict has a basis and that Pokemon Go and all the Pokemon characters should be avoided as it can bring harm.

"The game promoted a search for power and deities with certain powers which could lead to gambling.

"Based on previous cases, the game also allows foreign surveillance, breach of private space, and could also lead to safety issues, such as accidents and distractions," he added.