Religious Minister Warns TikTokers To Stop Dressing Up Their Stand Fans In Prayer Clothes
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad said action will be taken against individuals who continue to make such content.
Malaysians are urged to report to local religious authorities if they come across people who are following the TikTok trend of dressing up their stand fans with telekung (female prayer clothes)
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad made the announcement after discerning the trend that seems to be popular among young people, reported Bernama.
He said that in reference to the growing numbers of videos on TikTok featuring Muslim men and women praying beside stand fans dressed in telekung or thobes as though the fans are their partners.
Some of the videos show devotees turning their heads alongside the fans that are oscillating, with several videos even showing plush toys that are attached to the fans to resemble a person.
He stressed that the act should not happen as it is an insult to the religion.
"I advise them to enrich themselves with religious knowledge, seek the help of a religious teacher, or attend lectures at mosques or surau," said Idris
"Do not insult Islam and follow blindly what is shown on YouTube or other unknown sources. This nonsensical practice must be reported to the religious office so that action can be taken."
A search on TikTok found that "makmum sholat kipas angin", which translates to "congregational prayer (with) fans", fetches many results
Some of the TikToks feature religious teachers censuring the trend as matters pertaining to the religion should not be made as a 'joke' even if the intent is just to entertain others.