They say it’s the little things that matter. Around most of Malaysia, Muslim men take wearing shorts for granted.
However, in states like Kelantan, amendments to Syariah law have not only made it illegal for Muslim men to go beach-casual in shorts, but they’ve also made it mandatory for Muslim women working in public places to wear a headscarf. This summer, they approved public caning.
Things are heating up, and one Kota Baru man has felt the burn. Wan Khairul Hayyee Wali was getting a burger in the state’s largest city when learned that JAIK (Kelantan Islamic Religious Department) isn’t sleeping on their syorts memorandum.
Religious authorities spotted his sportswear, and issued a ticket, telling him he had broken Syariah law by exposing his aurat. Different interpretations of Islam will pin the aurat (areas of modesty) varyingly; however, for men in this context, it refers to the area between his navel and knees.
A JAIK official explained that while he will not be penalized monetarily, he will have to attend counseling sessions. He added that this is the fourth case of a man being reprimanded for exposing his knees this year.
Ah, good job, we guess. We all fight our own battles in life, don’t we?
Can a similar edict be issued over uncomfortably deep V-necks on men’s T-shirts? Coconuts KL is totally on board with that one.
