Muslims urged to stay away from GISBH deviant teachings

SHAH ALAM - Muslims in Selangor are urged to distance themselves from the teachings and practices of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) as they are misleading and deviate from true Islamic faith.

According to the Friday sermon delivered by imam Mohd Luqman Hakkim Rizuan, titled ‘Purify the Aqeedah of GISBH Followers’, there are four types of deviations identified within GISBH, including their belief in the resurrection of the deceased leader of al-Arqam.

The sermon text, published by the Khutbah Unit of the Mosque Management Division, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), another example of deviant beliefs was the notion that As-Suhaimi has only died in a physical sense, while in reality he is in hiding and will reappear as Imam Mahdi.

In addition, there is a concerning fervour and veneration towards the leadership of Ashaari Muhammad, who is believed to possess extraordinary spiritual powers.

"There are also claims that they believe Sheikh Muhammad al-Suhaimi will return as Imam Mahdi," the sermon text states.

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, attended the sermon and performed the Friday prayers at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque today.

According to the sermon text, there are elements of superstition and shirk prevalent in the original teachings of Al-Arqam, such as the belief that Abuya’s mind is a revelation from God, and that Allah SWT informs him of illnesses among his followers, along with the belief that he possesses foresight about the future.

"Even after the Al-Arqam group was banned in 1994 and transformed into GISBH, these elements are still subtly observed in the beliefs and practices of its members," the sermon states.

As for the fourth deviation, they endorse polygamy practices that do not comply with Islamic law and current legislation as well as conducting seminars and campaigns to promote polygamy among their members.

"While polygamy is permitted in Islam, the group's approach to this practice is often criticised as it tends to neglect the rights and well-being of women," the text notes.

In light of this, Muslims are advised to adhere to teachings based on the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal-Jamaah and to be aware of such groups to avoid confusion and deviating from the true path.

"Muslims should be more cautious, exercising tabayyun (verification) and conducting research before blindly following religious words or practices by referring to state religious authorities,” according to the sermon.

Yesterday, the Sultan of Selangor endorsed the latest fatwa issued by the state Fatwa Committee, which declared that the leaders, followers and workers of GISBH and its network deviate from true Islamic faith.

This is because the leaders, followers and workers of GISBH are believed to still practise Aurad Muhammadiah, or Zikir Agung, brought forth by the Darul Arqam group, which was declared to have deviated from true Islamic beliefs according to Gazette No. 54 published on Feb 4, 1993.

When contacted, state Executive Councillor for Religion and Innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the Sultan of Selangor had been informed about the decision of the state Fatwa Committee yesterday, and clarified that the fatwa regarding GISBH must undergo a gazetting process before it can be enacted as law for enforcement measures to be taken. - BERNAMA