Four young Muslim women aged aged 19 to 23 years were forced to drop out from the finalist round of Miss Malaysia World 2013 pageant because of a fatwa that deems such events a sin, local media reported on July 22.

The decision was made by mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh, who said beauty pageants were declared haram, or not permissible, under the Administration of Islamic Laws Act of 1996, and their participation in the contest would “insult Islam.” The women now are facing an investigation by Islamic authorities.

“Out of respect for the religion we had to follow the rules and disqualify the four girls,” said beauty pageant organiser Datuk Anna Lim, adding that the pageant will go on without them.

The winners of the contest are supposed to take part in the Miss World pageant that will take place in Bali and Jakarta in September 2013, also amidst protest and even threats by conservative religious groups.

Sisters in Islam, a Malaysian organisation promoting rights of women in Islam, expressed concern over the reach of the 1996 ruling to control public conduct of Muslims in terms of dress and indecency, especially when the Miss Malaysia organisers had given an assurance that the contestants will be wearing long pants instead of swimming suits.

However, if found guilty of insulting Islam, the four girls face a penalty of around $1,000 or up to two years in jail, or both, according to the regulation.

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