Adam Vary
Updated on: October 13, 2024 6:47 am GMT
As concerns grow over the teachings of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), authorities in Malaysia are taking significant steps to monitor its influence and safeguard communities. Recent raids have unveiled troubling evidence linked to GISBH and its alleged deviant practices.
Raids Uncover 63 Items Related to Deviant Teachings
On September 22, the Perlis Islamic Affairs Department (Jaips) conducted an operation known as Ops Global, resulting in the seizure of 63 items associated with GISBH. The raids took place at two premises suspected of promoting these deviant teachings. Jaips director Najmuddin Abdul Karim emphasized the need for enforcement, stating, “This operation was conducted in line with the fatwa on deviant teachings with spiritual elements, which was gazetted on August 28, 2024.”
This raid followed a significant ruling by the Perlis Fatwa Committee, which declared the teachings of GISBH as containing deviant elements. Both the mufti of Perlis, Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, and Najmuddin Abdul Karim have urged the community to be vigilant and report any information related to these beliefs, highlighting that the organization’s reach has made it a serious concern.
Call for Public Vigilance and Reporting
Najmuddin also expressed urgency for Muslims in the state to avoid any doctrines labeled as deviant by the Perlis Fatwa Committee.
- 63 items linked to GISBH teachings seized during raids.
- Official warnings from the Perlis Islamic Affairs Department.
- Mufti confirms GISBH maintains links to the banned Al Arqam teachings.
In addition to the seizures, a childcare center in Arau, believed to be connected to GISBH, was sealed off by the Perlis Department of Social Welfare, indicating ongoing enforcement actions that seek to address potential risks posed by such institutions.
Sultan of Selangor Expresses Discontent
Adding weight to these developments, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor voiced his disappointment over the slow response to issues concerning GISBH. The Sultan remarked that this lack of action reflects weaknesses in the monitoring and enforcement capabilities of religious organizations, particularly regarding charity homes and Islamic schools linked to GISBH.
His Majesty stated, “The delay in handling this issue has shown the weaknesses in aspects of monitoring and enforcement.” The Sultan’s comments underline the urgency needed in addressing concerns surrounding alleged criminal activities involving minors linked to these teachings.
Urgent Call for Action
The Sultan called for immediate measures to close down any unregistered welfare homes and schools operated by GISBH or its affiliates. He emphasized that protecting children and upholding the sanctity of Islam must take precedence in these operations.
- Immediate closure of unregistered welfare homes urged by Sultan Sharafuddin.
- Calls for strong enforcement against deviant teachings and organizations.
- Stressed the importance of accountability among religious enforcement agencies.
Sultan Sharafuddin reiterated that action must not only follow discussions but should also demonstrate tangible results. His remarks serve as a rallying cry for religious and law enforcement bodies to prioritize this matter effectively.
Next Steps: Collaborative Efforts Among Authorities
In light of the recent developments, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department is preparing a comprehensive report regarding GISBH, which will be presented to the chairman of the state’s Islamic Religion and Cultural Innovation Committee, Dr. Mohammad Fahmi Ngah. This report is to detail the actions taken and outline future plans aligned with Sultan Sharafuddin’s decree.
Such cooperative efforts among various governmental and religious bodies signify a proactive stance against the spread of teachings deemed harmful. The collective commitment to transparency and thorough investigation aims to address the complexities surrounding organizations like GISBH.
As investigations continue and further actions unfold, the overarching goal remains clear: to protect the community, safeguard children from potential exploitation, and maintain the integrity of Islamic teachings in the region. The journey ahead involves thorough examination, vigilant reporting, and a firm stand against deviant beliefs.
Conclusion
The actions taken against GISBH are an important step for Malaysia in fighting against groups that spread harmful ideas. Leaders are urging everyone to take strong action and to be more aware of these issues. This gives us hope for a safer and smarter community. As things continue to change, it’s important for everyone to pay attention and help protect the beliefs and values that are important to them.
