PERLIS FATWA COMMITTEE DECLARES GISBH AS DEVIANT SECT

KANGAR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The Perlis Fatwa Committee in its special meeting today concluded that the teachings of Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding Sdn Bhd (GISBH) contain deviant elements, particularly in their spiritual beliefs.

State mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said that GISBH’s beliefs are a continuation of the al-Arqam teachings, which have been declared deviant.

“In its discussion, the Committee concluded that the GISBH group’s beliefs promote a cult-like devotion to its leaders or religious figures, to the extent of equating them with the Prophet Muhammad SAW, attributing miraculous abilities or knowledge of the unseen to them, as if they were God.

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“These beliefs constitute deviant and misguided teachings,” he said in a statement issued after chairing the special meeting here.

Mohd Asri also said that the Committee found the economic model practised by GISBH to be inconsistent with the true principles of Islamic economics.

This is due to elements of oppression and slavery towards those involved, as well as the exploitation of members, children, women, and families for the leaders' benefit, he said.

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As such, he said all teachings, activities and any support for GISBH are prohibited.

Meanwhile, Mohd Asri said the Committee called on the Muslim community to assist GISBH members in their recovery, suggesting that zakat funds could be utilised for their rehabilitation, which would include educational assistance, protection, and faith purification activities.

“Schools adhering to the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah should help GISBH children by providing them with proper education,” he said.

Mohd Asri said that private organisations could assist by offering job opportunities, enabling GISBH members to integrate into the community, while urging all parties to monitor them to ensure they do not return to these deviant teachings.

-- BERNAMA