SHAH ALAM: Muslims in Selangor are urged to distance themselves from the teachings and practices of Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISB) due to their deviation from true Islamic faith.
In a Friday sermon delivered by Imam Mohd Luqman Hakkim Rizuan, titled “Purify the Aqeedah of GISB Followers”, four types of deviations within GISB were highlighted, including the belief in the resurrection of the deceased leader of al-Arqam.
According to the sermon text, published by the Khutbah Unit of the Mosque Management Division, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), it was noted that some followers believe As-Suhaimi had only physically died and remains in hiding, set to reappear as Imam Mahdi.
The sermon also addressed concerns regarding the excessive reverence for Ashaari Muhammad, believed by followers to possess extraordinary spiritual powers.
“There are also claims that they believe Sheikh Muhammad al-Suhaimi will return as Imam Mahdi,” the sermon highlighted.
Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah attended the sermon and performed Friday prayers at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque on Friday (Oct 4).
The sermon further cited elements of superstition and “shirik” in Al-Arqam’s original teachings, such as the belief that Abuya’s mind is a divine revelation and that Allah informs him of followers’ illnesses, alongside his supposed foresight of the future.
“Even after the Al-Arqam group was banned in 1994 and became GISB, these elements still subtly persist among its members,” the sermon stated.
A fourth deviation involves polygamy practices that do not conform to Islamic law and current legislation, with the group conducting seminars and campaigns to promote polygamy among its members.
“While polygamy is permitted in Islam, the group’s approach often disregards the rights and well-being of women,” the text noted.
Muslims are therefore advised to follow teachings based on the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal-Jamaah and remain vigilant against such groups to avoid confusion and deviance from the true path.
“Muslims should exercise caution and conduct verification (tabayyun) and research before blindly following religious teachings by consulting state religious authorities,” the sermon advised.
Recently, Sultan Sharafuddin endorsed a fatwa from the state Fatwa Committee declaring the leaders, followers, and workers of GISB as deviating from true Islamic faith. This is due to their continued practice of Aurad Muhammadiah, or Zikir Agung, associated with the Darul Arqam group, which was previously declared deviant as per Gazette No. 54 on Feb 4, 1993.
State religion and innovation committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said that the Selangor Ruler had been informed of the fatwa, noting it must be gazetted before it can be enacted as law and enforced. – Bernama
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