Art must be guided by syariah, avoid excess - Sabri Yunus

Kuala Lumpur – Renowned actor and theater activist Sabri Yunus has underscored the critical need for artistic expression, particularly within the Muslim community, to remain firmly anchored in Islamic tenets and religious boundaries. Speaking at the premiere of the film 'Libang Libu', Yunus, a respected figure in Malaysian arts, addressed the recent controversy surrounding a university theater performance.

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If I'm not mistaken, I've watched the performance at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC). It has been staged many times, but when I watched it, there were no such scenes.

He clarified that while he had previously attended stagings of the work in question, he did not observe any scenes that could be deemed excessive or inappropriate, contrary to recent public outcry. "If I'm not mistaken, I've watched the performance at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC). It has been staged many times, but when I watched it, there were no such scenes," he stated.

Yunus stressed that in the context of Islam, all forms of art must be grounded in religious hukum (laws). "Although art is often considered free, in Islam, freedom still has its limits," he explained. He drew a comparison between Western artistic approaches, which he suggested can be detached from societal values, and the Islamic perspective that prioritizes sensitivity and moral considerations.

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Although art is often considered free, in Islam, freedom still has its limits.

"In the West, art students can draw nude models without any reservations, purely in the name of art. They can do it without stimulation, and the result is considered beautiful. But for us, even in the name of art, there are still boundaries. Whether in painting, theater, or any form of work, awareness of religious guidelines is important," he elaborated.

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In the West, art students can draw nude models without any reservations, purely in the name of art. They can do it without stimulation, and the result is considered beautiful. But for us, even in the name of art, there are still boundaries. Whether in painting, theater, or any form of work, awareness of religious guidelines is important.

Furthermore, Yunus advocated for an educational approach rather than punitive measures for those involved, especially university students. "They are still in the learning process. Therefore, the best approach is to educate with knowledge, not to punish harshly. Punishment can weaken their spirit to create. What is more important is awareness so that the same thing does not happen in the future," he concluded.

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They are still in the learning process. Therefore, the best approach is to educate with knowledge, not to punish harshly. Punishment can weaken their spirit to create. What is more important is awareness so that the same thing does not happen in the future.