GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Fatwa Committee, which met on Wednesday, has issued a fatwa declaring the teachings and practices of Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings Sdn Bhd as deviant, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said.
The Penang Islamic Religious Council president said the Penang Fatwa Committee had concluded that the teachings, beliefs and practices promoted by leaders, followers, workers or the congregation of GISB and its network continued to propagate the beliefs and practices of Darul Arqam and Rufaqa' Corporation Sdn Bhd, which had been declared deviant.
"The Penang Fatwa Committee's decision is based on information and evidence regarding GISB in Penang, provided by the Enforcement Division of the Penang Islamic Religious Department and the state police," he said here today.
Mohamad said it was found that GISB deviated in terms of faith, including the belief that Asy-Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah As-Suhaimi/Syeikh Muhammad Suhaimi did not die but disappeared and would return as Imam Mahdi, and that the late Ashaari Muhammad (Abuya), founder of Darul Arqam, is believed to be the Pemuda Bani Tamim who would assist Imam Mahdi in the end times.
He said the GISB community also continued to practise Aurad Muhammadiyah, or the Dikir Agung version of Darul Arqam, which had been declared deviant.
He said they also believed in the practice of "tabarruk" or seeking blessings from Allah through objects considered as "holy", claiming that water used to wash the bodies of GISB leaders is blessed.
"GISB also practises a system that involves elements of servitude and exploitation of its members, including children and women.
"As a result, the Penang Fatwa Committee has decided that Muslims are prohibited from practising or adhering to any belief or practice similar to those of GISB.
"Teaching, spreading, promoting or supporting such beliefs are forbidden. Muslims are prohibited from following as well as participating in gatherings or celebrations associated with these beliefs.
"Furthermore, it is forbidden to possess, store, publish, copy, print, sell, distribute or broadcast related materials. Organising, supporting or facilitating any event related to these beliefs is also prohibited."
Mohamad said the Penang Fatwa Committee also forbade providing facilities, donations, financing, assistance or support, directly or indirectly, to any individual or organisation for the purpose of disseminating or promoting these beliefs or similar ideologies.
Thus, he stressed, members of GISB and Muslims practising GISB beliefs were required to repent and abandon these beliefs and practices immediately.
"To assist in restoring the faith of GISB members, the state government has established the Darul Hidayah Complex (KDH) in Permatang Tok Gelam, Penaga, as a voluntary centre for faith recovery.
"KDH has been responsible for managing affairs of new converts to Islam and serves as a centre for strengthening faith for individuals or groups.
"Programmes at KDH emphasise fundamental Islamic teachings and reinforce adherence to Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, based on modules such as faith, sirah, akidah and fiqh.
"KDH is equipped with facilities that can accommodate up to 120 guests at one time, along with a prayer hall for 200 people and an air-conditioned multipurpose hall for 500 people, suitable for internal sports activities.
"To date, KDH has not received any GISB member for the faith recovery process.
"However, the state government, through relevant agencies and departments, will ensure that this faith recovery plan is effectively and comprehensively implemented for GISB members in Penang."