Muslim women shouldn’t use emoticons, says Malaysian association

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 13:  Ahead of Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, the tiol Muslim Youth Association (Pembi) in Malaysia has advised Muslim women against using emoticons in text messages or wearing fragrance. Pembi’s guide published on its official Facebook page on Monday said Muslim women should avoid seven things while dealing with “non-mahram”, or men they can marry, even outside the day commemorating love.

Besides avoiding the use of emoticons and wearing “excessive” fragrance, the guide also urged Muslim women to avoid making their voice sound sweet, and to cover up their intimate parts, Malay Mail Online newspaper reported.

The Malaysian Islamist group also warned Muslim women against being alone with non-mahram men, and select the appropriate time to deal with men like daytime and not at night. It also told Muslim women to keep their text messages simple for non-mahram men.

The guide is part of Pembi’s annual anti-Valentine’s Day campaign, claiming that the celebration threatens the faith of Muslims and leads to illicit sex.

Earlier on Monday, the group released a list of five things Muslim youth can do to reject the day, such as publicly chastising unmarried couples who are dating. The group also suggested youth to wear Pembi’s anti-Valentine’s Day T-shirt, put up its posters in public, and urge their friends to join Islamic or beneficial activities on the day.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has also consistently opposed the celebration of Valentine’s Day among Muslims, claiming that it possesses Christian elements. (IANS)