Report: Ghost Museum Closes After Muslims Complain It's Detrimental to Faith

[Logan13]

Report: Ghost Museum Closes After Muslims Complain It's Detrimental to Faith
AP
04/14/07
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A Malaysian state has closed down a museum exhibition on ghosts, ghouls and supernatural beings after Islamic clerics claimed it was detrimental to Muslims' faith, newspapers reported Saturday.

The exhibition at the state museum in southern Negeri Sembilan has drawn some 25,000 visitors since it opened March 10. But it has also attracted criticism from religious scholars who charged the show was un-Islamic and based in fantasy, the New Straits Times reported.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim also disapproved of the exhibition, saying it was not beneficial to the community.

But the museum has claimed its aim was to educate the public. The exhibition capitalized on widespread fascination in Malaysia with otherworldly creatures from local legends and mythology. Reports said artifacts on display included alleged vampire carcasses and a mythical phoenix bird.

The Negeri Sembilan state government decided to halt the show Friday after the National Fatwa Council ruled it was forbidden under Islam as it could undermine Muslims' faith, The Star newspaper reported.

Some 60 percent of this Southeast Asian country's 26 million people are Muslims, who are subject to Islamic laws and fatwa council edicts even if they have not been enshrined in national or Islamic Sharia law.

Abdul Shukor Husin, chairman of the fatwa council which advises the government on Islamic regulations, said spirits and supernatural beings involved the "invisible world" and were beyond the comprehension of the human mind.

"We don't want to promote a belief in 'tahyul' (supernatural) and 'khurafat' (superstition) which we do not know about. We do not need to focus on such things or play them up by having such exhibitions," he was quoted as saying.

Negeri Sembilan state secretary Kamarudin Siaraf, who also chairs the state museum board, was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying the museum would abide by the council's ruling.

"We do not want all the controversy surrounding this exhibition to drag on further, so the best thing is to stop the show," he said.

Calls to the state museum and state secretary's office were not answered Saturday. Abdul Shukor and other fatwa council members also could not be reached for comment.

Last year, a three-month exhibition on "Mysteries, Genies, Ghosts and Coffins" at the museum in central Selangor state drew tens of thousands of visitors but some critics denounced the items as fakes while others accused the exhibition of being un-Islamic.

Among the 100 items on display were objects described as a preserved mermaid, the shriveled skeletal remains of a half-woman, half snake and a goblin trapped in a bottle.

[Prada]

So what? Thats their culture and religious beliefs, respect it. So as long as they dont impede on your idealogies. Im certain people in Malaysia find many things in the west absurd and ludicrous. Live and let live.

[Logan13]

So what? Thats their culture and religious beliefs, respect it. So as long as they dont impede on your idealogies. Do you not care that it is impeding on some of their own countryman's ideaologies? Obviously someone in that country created this museum, why do you not defend their rights with the same vigor? Im certain people in Malaysia find many things in the west absurd and ludicrous. Live and let live.

I demand the same thing thing about US culture, but not everyone agrees with it. I will remember to remind you to "live and let live" next time you unload about a topic as well.

[Vinlander]

I demand the same thing thing about US culture, but not everyone agrees with it. I will remember to remind you to "live and let live" next time you unload about a topic as well.

You're not Malaysian. Why do you care about their "freedom," and what are they not free to do? It's not as if they're prisoners in their country. If they don't like Islamic law, they can leave. THAT is freedom.

[singern]

You're not Malaysian. Why do you care about their "freedom," and what are they not free to do? It's not as if they're prisoners in their country. If they don't like Islamic law, they can leave. THAT is freedom.

The Taliban was also a true Islamic nation, they were free to be beheaded in public for UnIslamic behavior, They were free to be whipped in the street for Unislamic behavior, they were also free to be executed for trying to leave Afghanistan.

The Iranian Version also has these freedoms.
Saudi citizens have the right to have limbs amputated for unIslamic behavior, and woman caught in public alone or without coverings are free to be tortured.

Yes These real and free Muslims are truly blessed to have the freedoms we in the west can only dream of.

[Vinlander]

The Taliban was also a true Islamic nation, they were free to be beheaded in public for UnIslamic behavior, They were free to be whipped in the street for Unislamic behavior, they were also free to be executed for trying to leave Afghanistan.

The Iranian Version also has these freedoms.
Saudi citizens have the right to have limbs amputated for unIslamic behavior, and woman caught in public alone or without coverings are free to be tortured.

Yes These real and free Muslims are truly blessed to have the freedoms we in the west can only dream of.

You have no business having an opinion on dictating anything to Islamic countries. You're not a Muslim, nor are you from those countries. Mind your business.

[Prada]

I demand the same thing thing about US culture, but not everyone agrees with it. I will remember to remind you to "live and let live" next time you unload about a topic as well.

You are assuming that society in Malaysia has similar mindset as yourself, which is not the case. The vast majority of their citizens are muslims, around 70%, I believe. The official religion is islam. If they are not content, for them to rise against the governement. Malaysia is somewhat more secular and free then some arab states, albeit conservative nonetheless. Their society is quite cosmopolitan as well. Like a wedge betwen India and China.

So what was your intent of posting this? Just some innocuous article you randomly picked up to inform the masses? Perhaps the reciprocal, to defame anything related to islam in perpetuity?

If you want to post anything I put up free feel and you are more then welcome to critique. If it is related to Islam, Arabs, Africain-Amercians or homosexuals please refrain from commenting because your opinion is blatantly obvious to me.

[Logan13]

You are assuming that society in Malaysia has similar mindset as yourself, which is not the case. The vast majority of their citizens are muslims, around 70%, I believe. The official religion is islam. If they are not content, for them to rise against the governement. Malaysia is somewhat more secular and free then some arab states, albeit conservative nonetheless. Their society is quite cosmopolitan as well. Like a wedge betwen India and China.

So what was your intent of posting this? Just some innocuous article you randomly picked up to inform the masses? Perhaps the reciprocal, to defame anything related to islam in perpetuity?

If you want to post anything I put up free feel and you are more then welcome to critique. If it is related to Islam, Arabs, Africain-Amercians or homosexuals please refrain from commenting because your opinion is blatantly obvious to me.

I'll take that under advisement, since I value your opinion.....

[Logan13]

I guess that this is OK with you as well, since it seems to simply be part of their culture..........
Report: Serial Killers Cleared by Iranian Supreme Court as Victims' Activities Were Un-Islamic
Fox News
04/15/07
The Iranian Supreme Court has vacated the murder convictions of a group of serial killers because their victims were engaging in un-Islamic activities, the British Broadcasting Corp. reports.
The men were convicted for a series of grisly killings in the southeastern city of Kerman in 2002. The vigilantes were said to believe that Islam condoned the killing of anyone engaged in illicit activities if they issued two warnings to the victims, the BBC reports.

At least 18 people were killed on the murder spree, but the men were only tried for five of the deaths. Some of the victims were stoned, others were suffocated and at least one man was buried alive, according to the vigilantes' confessions.

These men told the court that their understanding of the teachings of one Islamic cleric allowed them to kill immoral people if they had ignored two warnings to stop their bad behavior, according to the BBC.

The Supreme Court has overturned the verdict of a lower court that found all the men guilty of murder five times, according to lawyers for the victims' families. The vigilantes may still be liable for monetary damages.

[goose]

You are assuming that society in Malaysia has similar mindset as yourself, which is not the case. The vast majority of their citizens are muslims, around 70%, I believe. The official religion is islam. If they are not content, for them to rise against the governement. Malaysia is somewhat more secular and free then some arab states, albeit conservative nonetheless. Their society is quite cosmopolitan as well. Like a wedge betwen India and China.

So what was your intent of posting this? Just some innocuous article you randomly picked up to inform the masses? Perhaps the reciprocal, to defame anything related to islam in perpetuity?

If you want to post anything I put up free feel and you are more then welcome to critique. If it is related to Islam, Arabs, Africain-Amercians or homosexuals please refrain from commenting because your opinion is blatantly obvious to me.

Spot on mate.

[Lexed]

muslims in malaysia?

[mcpeepants]

muslims in malaysia?

islam is the official religion of malaysia and the majority religion

[Logan13]

islam is the official religion of malaysia and the majority religion

Christianity is the major religion in the US........
Freedom is good for you but not for others?

[BgMc31]

Christianity is the major religion in the US........
Freedom is good for you but not for others?

Huge difference between a country with a major religion and a country with a official religion, I know you are not that naive Logan.

[Logan13]

Huge difference between a country with a major religion and a country with a official religion, I know you are not that naive Logan.

It does not make it OK. So if Christianity were to become the official religion of the US than you would make sure that your rhetoric towed the line as well?
Naive is to say that because it is part of their culture, it is OK? Some might say that the pre-Civil War South culture simply included slavery as well. But hey, it was their culture........

[Vinlander]

Christianity is the major religion in the US........
Freedom is good for you but not for others?

They are free, Logan. They're free to live under Islamic law. If they don't like it, they don't have to live in an Islamic country. But at least they have the option to go to a place where it's entirely Muslim in thought and practice.

Like I said; they're REAL Muslims that way. Christianity has nothing comparable.

[mcpeepants]

Christianity is the major religion in the US........
Freedom is good for you but not for others?

i was just stating that Malaysia is majority muslim because Lexed seemed suprised that there were muslims in Malaysia.

[Logan13]

islam is the official religion of malaysia and the majority religion

So? Obviously, not everyone buys into that in malaysia.

[mcpeepants]

So? Obviously, not everyone buys into that in malaysia.

again I'm stating the religious demographics in Malaysia

[Logan13]

again I'm stating the religious demographics in Malaysia

10-4

[BgMc31]

Report: Ghost Museum Closes After Muslims Complain It's Detrimental to Faith
AP
04/14/07
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A Malaysian state has closed down a museum exhibition on ghosts, ghouls and supernatural beings after Islamic clerics claimed it was detrimental to Muslims' faith, newspapers reported Saturday.

The exhibition at the state museum in southern Negeri Sembilan has drawn some 25,000 visitors since it opened March 10. But it has also attracted criticism from religious scholars who charged the show was un-Islamic and based in fantasy, the New Straits Times reported.

And Islam and other religions aren't? LOL!!! That is simply laughable!!!!

[mcpeepants]

The BBC did report the story: here's what they said

Group cleared over Iran murders
By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran

An Iranian woman holds a copy of the Koran (file)
The accused men believed they were allowed to kill immoral people
Iran's Supreme Court has acquitted a group of men charged over a series of gruesome killings in 2002, according to lawyers for the victims' families.

The vigilantes were not guilty because their victims were involved in un-Islamic activities, the court found.

The killers said they believed Islam let them spill the blood of anyone engaged in illicit activities if they issued two warnings to the victims.

The serial killings took place in 2002 in the south-eastern city of Kerman.

'Morally corrupt'

The case raises serious questions about vigilantes in Iran taking justice into their own hands and undermining the rule of law.

Up to 18 people were killed in just one year, but only five of the murders were tried in court.

According to their confessions, the killers put some of their victims in pits and stoned them to death. Others were suffocated. One man was even buried alive while others had their bodies dumped in the desert to be eaten by wild animals.

The accused, who were all members of an Islamic paramilitary force, told the court their understanding of the teachings of one Islamic cleric allowed them to kill immoral people if they had ignored two warnings to stop their bad behaviour.

But there was no judicial process to determine the guilt of the victims in these cases.

The group even killed a young couple they thought were involved in sex outside marriage, but media reports say the couple were either married or engaged to be married.

Lawyers for the victims' families say the Supreme Court has five times overturned the verdict of a lower court that found all the men guilty of murder.

Now the Supreme Court is reported to have acquitted all the killers of the charge of murder on the grounds that their victims were all morally corrupt.

Some of the group may, however, face prison sentences or have to pay financial compensation to their victims' families.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6557679.stm

[Vinlander]

Ok. That's in Iran. When it happens in Arizona, you post the story and I'll care.

[Carlos_E]

The BBC did report the story: here's what they said

Group cleared over Iran murders
By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran

An Iranian woman holds a copy of the Koran (file)
The accused men believed they were allowed to kill immoral people
Iran's Supreme Court has acquitted a group of men charged over a series of gruesome killings in 2002, according to lawyers for the victims' families.

The vigilantes were not guilty because their victims were involved in un-Islamic activities, the court found.

The killers said they believed Islam let them spill the blood of anyone engaged in illicit activities if they issued two warnings to the victims.

The serial killings took place in 2002 in the south-eastern city of Kerman.

'Morally corrupt'

The case raises serious questions about vigilantes in Iran taking justice into their own hands and undermining the rule of law.

Up to 18 people were killed in just one year, but only five of the murders were tried in court.

According to their confessions, the killers put some of their victims in pits and stoned them to death. Others were suffocated. One man was even buried alive while others had their bodies dumped in the desert to be eaten by wild animals.

The accused, who were all members of an Islamic paramilitary force, told the court their understanding of the teachings of one Islamic cleric allowed them to kill immoral people if they had ignored two warnings to stop their bad behaviour.

But there was no judicial process to determine the guilt of the victims in these cases.

The group even killed a young couple they thought were involved in sex outside marriage, but media reports say the couple were either married or engaged to be married.

Lawyers for the victims' families say the Supreme Court has five times overturned the verdict of a lower court that found all the men guilty of murder.

Now the Supreme Court is reported to have acquitted all the killers of the charge of murder on the grounds that their victims were all morally corrupt.

Some of the group may, however, face prison sentences or have to pay financial compensation to their victims' families.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6557679.stm

Thanks for the link. I couldn't find it.

Ok. That's in Iran. When it happens in Arizona, you post the story and I'll care.

That actually made me laugh.

[RamyGras]

I think Logan was under the impression that everybody would automatically bash Muslims with his initial post. When he realized nobody gave a crap about a ghost museum, he got defensive and posted a story, that if true, I agree is reprehensible. Regardless, I love how he panicked and went ahead with another story to gather support. Hahaha. A ghost museum? Man, you're really digging, aren't you?

[Logan13]

I think Logan was under the impression that everybody would automatically bash Muslims with his initial post. When he realized nobody gave a crap about a ghost museum, he got defensive and posted a story, that if true, I agree is reprehensible. Regardless, I love how he panicked and went ahead with another story to gather support. Hahaha. A ghost museum? Man, you're really digging, aren't you?

I do not need group approval to form my opinions.

[Vinlander]

Yeah. He's the agnostic who loves to defend Christianity and bash Islam. But he has no leaning toward one or the other. lol

[singern]

Yeah. He's the agnostic who loves to defend Christianity and bash Islam. But he has no leaning toward one or the other. lol

Please stay on topic, Thankfully we have the freedom to defend who we chose and who we dont. Logan has debated the issue based on opinion and current events, you on the otherhand have only shown a lack of dignity.

[Vinlander]

Please stay on topic, Thankfully we have the freedom to defend who we chose and who we dont. Logan has debated the issue based on opinion and current events, you on the otherhand have only shown a lack of dignity.

Actually it is on topic. You just don't like what I said, as usual. Your friend over here is anti-Islam, pro-Christianity. That's a generally assumed fact, coming from the replies in this room if you'd read them.

[singern]

Your friend over here is anti-Islam, pro-Christianity. That's a generally assumed fact, coming from the replies in this room if you'd read them.

No he is anti extremist and anti terrorist, but you already knew that, stamping it as anti Muslim is just a back door for you.

what does any of it have to do with the museum exhibit and the Islamic censorship preventing it from being viewed by the public.

[RamyGras]

No he is anti extremist and anti terrorist, but you already knew that, stamping it as anti Muslim is just a back door for you.

what does any of it have to do with the museum exhibit and the Islamic censorship preventing it from being viewed by the public.

Please! You've made three comments on this thread, without one coming close to being related to the topic. Don't throw stones!

[Logan13]

Your friend over here is anti-Islam, pro-Christianity. That's a generally assumed fact, coming from the replies in this room if you'd read them.

I would rather be labeled this than a Nazi sympathizer, holocaust denier, and a flag waving racist.

[RamyGras]

I would rather be labeled this than a Nazi sympathizer, holocaust denier, and a flag waving racist.

Logan, you're obviously racist against Arabs and Muslims. You don't take into consideration the fact that the terrorists make up such a small percentage of the Arab/Muslim population. And, whenever somebody accuses you, you never deny it.

Maybe I'm wrong, and I am misinterpreting your many, many, many ramblings. However, you of all people, shouldn't be accusing somebody of being a nazi sympathizer, a holocaust denier, and a racist. It's very immature. And since you're so much older and wiser, much more is expected of you.

[Vinlander]

I would rather be labeled this than a Nazi sympathizer, holocaust denier, and a flag waving racist.

Of course you would, Logan. It helps you fit in with a group. Gods forbid you step away and think out of the Republican box you're in. You act like your life was written by one of Bush's cabinet members as a part in a screenplay. Very predictable.

[Vinlander]

Absolutely.