Islamic Ministry: Religious literature requires permit

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that its permission needs to be obtained before publishing religious literature in the country.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced on Sunday that those who wish to give religious lectures and advise, and publish religious books need to obtain a letter of permission from the Ministry first – in compliance with amendment to Protection of Religious Unity Act.

The Ministry said that it needs to check translations of the Holy Quran, translations of separate Surahs, translations of the Prophet’s words, as well as religious books and magazines.

Those who publish religious literature are required to include the number of the card issued by the Ministry.

The Ministry warns that books that do not include the card number will be considered unchecked by the Ministry, and will be duly penalized.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs said in the announcement that responsibility for negative outcomes from publishing a religious literature piece without permission from the Ministry will fall on the publisher.