"Repent if there were ritualistic elements" - Penang Mufti Tells Muslims Who Attended The Weeknd Concert

Last week, fans of The Weeknd in Malaysia experienced a memorable moment when the Canadian singer-songwriter performed in the country as part of the final leg of his global After Hours Til Dawn Tour.

The concerts, held on 4 and 5 November, took place at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. It is estimated that The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, performed to more than 60,000 fans over the two nights.

PAS questioned the use of a giant golden statue

However, just a week after the concerts concluded, an investigation was launched following claims that the performances contained elements that contradicted Islamic teachings.

Image Credit: The Playground UK 

PAS Youth Dakwah and Islamic Advocacy Committee chairman Mohamed Sukri Omar raised concerns about the use of a giant golden statue during The Weeknd's concert, as well as several performance elements that allegedly resembled acts of worship.

For context, the 12-metre-tall gold-coated sculpture featured prominently in The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn Tour was created by renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama.

Mohamed Sukri alleged that the concert's concept was inspired by a fictional work depicting a civilisation that worshipped machines as gods, incorporating themes of grandeur, destruction, and rebirth.

Jakim launches investigation

Image Credit: Harian Metro 

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said that the Research Division of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is working closely with the secretariat of the Central Agency Committee for Filming Applications and Foreign Artistes' Performances (Puspal) to verify the claims and determine whether the concert complied with the stipulated conditions.

"All parties must ensure that artistic performances do not create confusion regarding matters of faith, morality, and religious sensitivities in Malaysia," he said, as reported by New Straits Times.

Zulkifli added that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law to ensure that all performances respect religious and cultural sensitivities, as well as public order.

Penang Mufti advises Muslims to perform 'solat taubat' if they knowingly participated in acts contrary to Islamic teachings

In a separate report, Penang Mufti Prof Madya Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman advised Muslims who attended The Weeknd's concert to immediately reflect, seek forgiveness, and perform solat taubat if they knowingly and intentionally took part in actions that contradict Islamic teachings.

Image Credit: Harian Metro

However, Mohd Sukki stressed that any assessment must distinguish between those who attended the concert without knowledge of the alleged ritualistic elements and those who willingly took part in them.

"It is highly encouraged for Muslims who attended the concert to reflect, seek forgiveness, and perform the solat taubat. However, for those who knowingly participated in actions that are forbidden in Islam, repentance is obligatory," he said.

Featured Image Credit: Malay Mail, Billboard