MALACCA, Aug 7 — Muslims have been urged to respect the ‘fatwa’ (edict) and the Mufti’s views on Pokemon Go due to the negative effects of the augmented reality smartphone game.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki reminded Muslims not to treat the ‘fatwa’ and the mufti’s views lightly although they disagree with it.

"The views of the Federal Territories Mufti on Pokemon Go involves the Islamic principles and was made after a holistic study,” he told reporters after opening the Tangga Batu Umno Youth division delegates meeting here, today.

A Shariah state committee has banned Muslims from playing ‘Pokemon Go’ in the Federal Territories.

On Aug 1, the Federal Territories Islamic Legal Consultative Committee said the Pokemon Go ban was made based on scripture and for the benefit of Muslims.

On Aug 4, Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri said the ‘fatwa’ issued in other countries, such as by influential Egypt-born cleric Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi in 2001 had basis. — Bernama