Johor continues Kaaba mats probe, forms 'Allah' word misuse committee

The Johor state Islamic religious department (JAINJ) is continuing a probe on mats bearing the image of the Kaaba, despite clarification that they were “mini prayer mats” and not floor mats for wiping feet.

At the same time, the state is also forming a committee to tackle the misuse of the word “Allah”.

On the Kaaba mat issue, Johor Islamic religious affairs executive councillor Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said that while he welcomed grocery chain Aeon Big’s clarification that the mats were not floor mats, his duty was to ensure the probe was completed.

“I can only listen to their statement, but as an enforcement and religious agency in Johor, my responsibility is to my religion first before I consider the statement,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

He added that the police were also probing the matter.

The Kaaba, a structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is considered by Muslims to be the “House of God” and is the direction of prayer for Muslims around the world.

Last week, following the seizure of 11 of the Kaaba mats, Aeon Big clarified that the products were mini prayer mats produced by a wholly bumiputera company that specialised in religious garments and household items.

However, the grocery chain admitted there was a labelling error leading to the mats being misidentified.

Fared, however, also took issue with where the mats were placed.

“If you know that the prayer mats are venerable, why place them together (with other floor mats)? I have photos and information,” he said.

He also took issue with the design used on the mats.

“I have never seen a prayer mat where the Kaaba is at the edge or only half is shown.

“If it’s a prayer mat, it must look like one, and if there is an image of the Kaaba it should be in the middle.

“If you don’t know how to design (a prayer mat) then don’t design it,” he said.

“Allah” word committee

Meanwhile, in a joint statement with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the duo announced the formation of a committee tasked with handling misuse of the word “Allah”.

The committee would be headed by Fared and Johor’s executive councillor for housing and local government Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

In the statement, Na’im and Fared said the government took a serious view towards recent cases of alleged misuse of the word “Allah”.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar

They said all chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry groups must give a high commitment to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

Last month, there was an uproar over socks bearing the word “Allah” being found in three KK Mart convenience store outlets.

Then, earlier this month, local footwear company Vern’s found itself in hot water after a design on the sole of some of its shoes was said to resemble the Arabic calligraphy for the word “Allah”.

Vern’s clarified that the design was supposed to be that of a stylised high heel.

Khat experts said the design also does not match the calligraphy for the word “Allah”.

Na’im had said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) would make a ruling on the matter, but there have been no developments as of yet. - Mkini