GEORGE TOWN, October 18 - The Penang State Fatwa Committee has declared the practices, beliefs and ideology of members of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) and its affiliates deviate from and contradict the true teachings of Islam.

Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the group was still propagating the beliefs and practices of Darul Arqam and Syarikat Rufaqa’ Corporation Sdn Bhd, both of which have been declared deviant.

“The Penang Fatwa Committee’s decision is based on detailed information and valid evidence provided by the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department’s (JHEAIPP) enforcement division and the police, who found GISBH to be deviating in terms of faith.

“Among their beliefs is that Asy-Syeikh Muhammad Abdullah As-Suhaimi, or Sheikh Muhammad Suhaimi, is not dead but has disappeared and will return as Imam Mahdi. They also believe that Darul Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad, known as Abuya, is the Pemuda Bani Tamim who will assist Imam Mahdi in the end times,” he told a press conference here today.

Also present was Penang mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman.

Mohamad said GISBH members still practised Aurad Muhammadiah, or the Darul Arqam’s version of zikir agung, which had been declared deviant, and also believed in ‘tabarruk,’ or seeking blessings from the water used to wash their leaders’ bodies.

In terms of the economy, the Penang Deputy Chief Minister I said that, GISBH was found to engage in a system with elements of slavery and oppression, as well as the exploitation of its members, especially women and children.

With this fatwa, Penang becomes the sixth state to declare the teachings and practices of GISBH as heretical and deviant, after Perlis, Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, and Sabah.

Mohamad said the State Fatwa Committee also ruled that Muslims, whether individually or in groups, were prohibited from practising or adhering to beliefs and teachings similar to those of GISB.

“This includes possessing, storing, publishing, copying, printing, selling, distributing or broadcasting any materials related to GISBH, as well as organising, supporting, holding or facilitating any event, celebration, ceremony or activity (associated with these beliefs),” he said.

According to him, the State Fatwa Committee also prohibited Muslims from providing facilities donations, financing, assistance, or support to any individual or organisation, aimed at spreading the teachings, beliefs, or ideologies similar to those associated with GISBH.

Mohamad said the decision would soon be submitted to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for consent before it was gazetted.

At the same press conference, he said four premises believed to be linked to GISBH in Penang had been completely closed.

He added that the state government had designated the Darul Hidayah Complex (KDH) in Permatang Tok Gelam, Penaga, as a faith recovery centre for GISBH members.- BERNAMA