Extremist teachings trap individuals through psychological manipulation - Experts

KUALA LUMPUR - Almost 30 years after the National Fatwa Committee for Islamic Affairs declared the Al-Arqam movement and its teachings deviant, the banned Islamic sect has once again come under scrutiny following recent revelations about the activities of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH).

Through Operation Global (Op Global), the police have raided dozens of premises and charitable homes managed by the conglomerate across several states including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, detaining hundreds of individuals, including top management.

Police investigations have also linked the organisation to a cultist doctrine reminiscent of Al-Arqam, alongside the discovery of hundreds of books and pamphlets related to the outlawed movement during raids on various GISBH premises across different states.

In the aftermath, the media reported various stories and allegations from former followers of the organisation, including claims that adherents were required to consume 'blessed water' derived from the washing of the leader's beard, teeth, hair, and foot-soaked water, which was mixed into their food and drinks. These practices were identified as hallmarks of extremist teachings.

WHAT IS EXTREMISM

Addressing the issue of extremism, Penang Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said extremist teachings are excessive doctrines that go beyond reasonable bounds and deviate from authentic Islamic principles, resulting in the development of extremist attitudes.

He emphasised that extremist beliefs can pose dangers to individuals and cause harm, and if not properly addressed, they could have a profound impact on society and the nation.

"In fact, Islam is complete, with everything clearly outlined in the Quran and Sunnah, which serve as the foundations for Muslims. This leads some to mandate prohibited actions, such as altering Syariah law or introducing new practices that are not rooted in its original principles.

"This is our concern, particularly because these individuals present themselves as representatives of Islam, when in reality, their actions do not reflect the true essence of our religion. If left unchecked, this issue will spread and eventually tarnish the image of Islam itself," he said during an interview on the Nota Rohani programme titled ‘The Dangers of Extremist Teachings’ on Bernama Radio recently.

According to Mohd Sukki, when discussing deviant teachings, it often involves groups or communities that are indoctrinated with extreme beliefs, which in turn fosters a following that develops a doctrine ultimately contradicting the principles of Islam.

MODUS OPERANDI

Expanding on the modus operandi of the deviant group, Mohd Sukki said they engage in the practice of idolising their leader to the extent that they view the leader as a figure of extreme holiness.

"At times, the leader even claims to be Imam Mahdi, a prophet, or other such figures. These mystical elements are part of the group's modus operandi. However, the Quran clearly states that Imam Mahdi will only appear at the end of times, yet these leaders compete to declare themselves as Imam Mahdi. This is clearly a sign of deviant teachings.

"In addition, these extremist groups also rely heavily on dreams, even though dreams cannot be used as valid evidence in Syariah law. Dreams can come from many sources and exist in a different realm, yet they claim to have met the Prophet in their dreams and then inform their followers that the Prophet gave them specific instructions. There’s no such thing,” he said.

As such, Mohd Sukki emphasised that religious knowledge is crucial and serves as a vital defence. Individuals with a strong understanding of Islam are undoubtedly aware that the Syariah laws revealed by Allah are already comprehensive and complete, leaving no room for additions or distortions.

He likened the beliefs and practices of the group currently under investigation to those of Al-Arqam and Rufaqa, stating that what is happening is akin to merely "changing clothes," as the rules and practices being carried out are essentially the same as those followed by the previous movements.

In August 1994, the government, through the National Fatwa Council, officially declared the teachings of Al-Arqam, led by Ashaari Muhammad, as deviant and subsequently banned the movement.

FORMING GROUPS

Discussing the operations of such groups, it cannot be denied that these organisations have dedicated followers who are willing to pledge loyalty and unwavering allegiance to their leader, making it difficult for them to leave the group.

Touching on how extremist teachings attract new followers and form their groups, Dr Mohamed Fairooz Mohamed Fathillah, Head of the Aqidah Unit at the Institute for the Study of Hadith & Aqidah (INHAD), Universiti Islam Selangor, said extremist groups are indeed cunning and systematic in recruiting new members and building a solid base of followers.

"They are adept at manipulating human psychology and exploiting specific situations. One of their tactics involves capitalising on feelings of dissatisfaction, particularly targeting individuals who are discontented with aspects of life, politics, the economy, or society.

"They provide straightforward and definitive solutions to these issues. Typically, individuals who feel disappointed or marginalised are more susceptible to influence because they are in search of meaning in life or a sense of belonging,” he said.

He added, "Furthermore, extremist teachings gradually isolate their followers from their families, friends, and the broader community that does not share their beliefs. They instil in their followers the notion that the outside world is malevolent, misguided, and attempting to keep them away from the truth.”

Mohamed Fairooz said this isolation is crucial because it eliminates external interference, making followers more obedient.

According to him, the group also exploits children to achieve their goals, even going so far as to use them as a source of income.

Mohamed Fairooz said these groups also present highly enticing propositions with a clear sense of purpose.

"They give followers the feeling that they are part of something greater, with goals such as 'reviving the original religion' or 'establishing justice.'

"This feeling is particularly strong for individuals who feel empty or lost. For instance, this group echoes phrases like 'only our congregation is the true congregation; the others are false and incorrect,' which instils a sense of being special or chosen among the followers," he shared.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

The impact of being trapped in extremist teachings is profound, according to Mohamed Fairooz. Individuals involved in such teachings can experience severe and damaging psychological effects.

"This doesn't only affect them while they are in the group but can leave long-term effects even after they manage to leave. Among these effects is mental manipulation, commonly known as brainwashing.

"They are isolated from outside information and are repeatedly exposed to the same inputs until their thinking is completely altered to fit the group's narrative. They begin to view the world through a narrow lens shaped by these teachings, making it difficult for them to distinguish between fact and fiction, leading them to see the teachings as the only truth," he said, adding that followers also struggle to think critically or independently.

The expert explained that the internal impact experienced by followers of extremist teachings includes a constant sense of threat, which leads to mental stress such as anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"This occurs because extremist groups often use fear tactics and create false enemies to maintain control over their followers. This can lead to paranoia or an extreme sense of fear. Followers may become afraid of the outside world, worry about being attacked or punished if they leave the group, and fear threats that don't actually exist," he added.

STEPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE

To prevent the spread of extremist teachings in society, various steps need to be taken. In this regard, Mohamed Fairooz suggests several strategic and comprehensive approaches should be implemented.

Among these is the need to raise awareness about the dangers of extremist teachings through campaigns on social media, in schools, and workplaces, as well as conducting dialogues involving various religious and cultural groups to strengthen unity and mutual respect.

He said the involvement of prominent figures and religious leaders plays a crucial role in combating these teachings, particularly the distortions made in the name of religion. Additionally, the content of sermons should remind congregants about the threats of extremism, as sermons are one of the best mediums for conveying information to the community.

"These leaders can convey accurate teachings and promote moderation, tolerance, and harmony. Initiatives that can be undertaken include specialised training for imams or religious leaders on how to identify and address extremism among their followers.

"Furthermore, cooperation with authorities to curb speeches that spread extremist ideologies needs to be intensified," he said.

He added that the government should also monitor social media and curb the spread of false information by controlling online content that leads to distortion.

"Social media often serves as a primary tool for disseminating extremist teachings. The government and technology organisations need to work together to identify and remove content that promotes violence or related ideologies by monitoring extreme online content and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities," he said.

Mohamed Fairooz also said that the government needs to enforce strict laws against the dissemination of extremist teachings, including targeting individuals or organisations involved in spreading such ideologies and inciting violence.

"With a holistic approach involving education, community cooperation, religious leadership, and law enforcement, the spread of extremist teachings in society can be effectively prevented," he said.

When asked about the approach that needs to change to counter the fear felt by individuals affected by deviant teachings and encourage them to report the truth, he stressed the necessity for massive efforts to educate the public about their rights as individuals and the role of the law in protecting them.

"Many may be afraid because they do not know their rights or how the legal process works. Awareness programmes through social media, lectures, or public forums can help clarify these issues," he said.

Additionally, he proposed that the government could introduce more aggressive witness protection programmes to shield individuals from harassment or threats from involved parties. - BERNAMA