A SILAT association in Malaysia has defended a demonstration of the Malay martial arts form which was recently held at a historic mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, after it drew criticisms from various quarters in Malaysia.
A video clip of the performance at the Nabawi Mosque by an adult and two young boys has gone viral over the last few days and elicited rebuke by many who consider it inappropriate.
Silat Cekak Arts Association of Malaysia president Datuk Maideen Kadir Shah said that the individuals who performed the demonstration were only displaying a cultural feature which is part of the identity of the Malays and did not breach any manners or ethics.
The mosque, referred to as the “Prophet’s Mosque”, is said to be one of the largest in the world and built during the time of Prophet Muhammad.
He said that the performers were dressed appropriately and did not do anything to violate manners and ethics as Malays and Muslims
"What was displayed was a good thing because it was not prayer time and it was in the outer hall, not in the Prophet's Mosque itself.
“So it reflects something good which is our identity as they were attired in that (silat) style,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia to reporters in Alor Setar yesterday.
He was asked to comment on the 27-second video clip that shows a man with two children performing silat on the grounds of the mosque.
The video, which has gone viral over the past few days, has attracted criticism among netizens for allegedly disrespecting the holy area.
Even Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar expressed concern that the actions of the three individuals may have tarnished Malaysia's image.
Mohd Na'im cautioned that any intention in being at a mosque other than for the purpose of worship could potentially not only affect the worship but also damage the good name of the country.
He advised those visiting or making pilgrimage to important mosques in Saudi Arabia to go with correct intentions and focus on worship.
He also said that he did not see the incident affecting the the Hajj quota that the Saudi Arabian government has set for Malaysia.
Displaying Malay cultural values
Maideen, who is also the principal teacher of the association, said that the art of silat has a high position in Islam and should be respected by all parties.
He said it is appropriate in Malaysia for silat to be brought to enliven a mosque.
“So, what is wrong if silat people perform, but with due manners and ethics, to demonstrate something good?" he added.
Touching on the criticism from various parties, he said that if the issue invites problems at the international level, including Malaysia's relationship with the host country concerned, it needs to be resolved diplomatically.
He stressed that silat is an identity of the nation and culture of Malaysia, and it also helps nurture people to become good leaders.
"If there is an issue, we can resolve it at the ministerial level. Why do we depict something that is good as bad?
“They were not fighting and beating other people, they were just displaying our cultural values," he said.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also weighed in on the matter.
He was quoted by Getaran as saying that silat performances in front of the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet's Mosque in Medina should be done with prior permission of the Saudi Arabian authorities.
There is no ban on martial arts or performing martial arts in mosques, he stressed. – The Vibes, January 29, 2024
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