'Do not easily believe in nonsensical teachings' - Penang Mufti
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor urged the public to immediately report to the religious authorities in their respective states if they encountered individuals or groups teaching doctrines contrary to the practices of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
SHAH ALAM - Muslims in the country are advised to always be cautious and not easily believe in any nonsensical teachings, especially those using Islam as a basis.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor urged the public to immediately report to the religious authorities in their respective states if they encountered individuals or groups teaching doctrines contrary to the practices of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
"The effort to preserve the sanctity of Islam is a collective duty of the entire Muslim community. Therefore, use social media and information technology to the maximum for this purpose," he said when contacted.
It was reported that there was an emergence of a religion brought followers of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light group.
The group was seen becoming more active on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to convey the teachings they claim were brought by Imam Mahdi.
In the meantime, Wan Salim also suggested that the government take effective steps to curb the spread of Shia beliefs in the country, including attempts to highlight the concept of Imam Mahdi in the Shia version to Muslims.
He also recommended that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Aqidah Panel conduct a comparative study on the concepts of Mahdi in Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and Shia to clarify the differences between them.
"Hopefully, with this clear understanding, Muslims will not be easily influenced by the absurd teachings of certain groups," he said.
Commenting on a video uploaded by the group on social media, Wan Salim said the speech by a man clearly indicated that they were Shia supporters trying to spread their understanding to the Muslim community.
He said the concept of Imam Mahdi in the Shia version was illogical and difficult to reconcile with the naqal or textual evidence of religion, besides the related hadiths being found to differ, especially in personal characteristics and time of birth.
"Understand that both Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and Shia schools agree on the appearance of Imam Mahdi at the end times who will fill the earth with justice and prosperity after it has been enveloped in injustice. However, these two schools have different views on many matters related to this.
"In the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah perspective, Imam Mahdi is a righteous Muslim, described by Prophet Muhammad in terms of his qualities and life story. However, this viewpoint doesn't affect a Muslim's faith. On the other hand, in Shia, faith in Imam Mahdi is considered an essential part of the core beliefs that must be upheld," he added.
