Fatwa on Al-Arqam applies to GISBH, says Aminuddin

 

Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun called for GISBH followers in the state to voluntarily register for the rehabilitation programme provided by Putrajaya. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The Negeri Sembilan government said its previous declaration that labeled Al-Arqam as deviant automatically applies to the teachings and beliefs of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH).

Menteri besar Aminuddin Harun said as such, his administration did not see the need to issue a separate fatwa on GISBH, Bernama reported.

He added that this was because GISBH’s beliefs mirror those of Al-Arqam.

“When they attempted to revive Aurad Muhammadiah, it became deviant. There’s no need for additional regulations when existing ones suffice.

“Believing in something that is not authentic is deviant. We can see the direction it’s heading, so it’s deviant,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference after a state exco meeting in Seremban today.

“If Al Arqam’s belief is deemed haram, GISBH falls under the same enactment. Other states may take their own approach.”

Six states have already declared the teachings and practices of GISBH as deviant, namely Perlis, Selangor, Pahang, Sabah, Melaka and Penang.

Previously, Negeri Sembilan mufti Faudzinaim Badarudin was reported to have said the state’s fatwa committee concluded that the teachings and beliefs of GISBH were identical to those of Al-Arqam, which it had declared deviant in 2016.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin, who also chairs the state committee on Islamic affairs and security, urged GISBH followers in the state to voluntarily register for the rehabilitation programme provided by Putrajaya.

He explained that the three-month programme is conducted in collaboration with the Islamic development department (Jakim), and aims to protect the faith and well-being of GISBH members.

Previously, national security council deputy director-general Baharuddin Ahmad announced that the government is offering a voluntary rehabilitation programme for GISBH members still at large to help them return to true Islamic teachings.

He noted that registration will stay open until Nov 14, and participants of all ages and genders are welcome. - FMT