The Sabah Fatwa Committee has declared the teachings and practices of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) as deviant, read a statement from the Sabah Mufti’s office today.
The committee stated that GISBH's teachings deviate from Islamic principles as practised in Malaysia, which adhere to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah doctrine based on the al-Ash’ari and al-Maturidi schools of thought.
“This deviation encompasses aspects of creed (aqidah), Islamic law (shariah), ethics (akhlaq), family, humanity, and economic transactions (muamalah). It leads to division within the Muslim community and could potentially threaten national security.
“The doctrinal deviation includes, among other things, the belief that Abuya (Ashaari Mohamad) is in occultation and will reappear alongside Imam Mahdi (Sheikh Suhaimi) as Imam Mahdi’s helper at the end of times,” it said.
Additionally, the committee noted that the practice of tabarruk (seeking blessings), such as obtaining blessings from objects used by GISBH leaders, contradicts Islamic law. Examples include consuming food or water used by leaders, or items such as teeth and beards.
In terms of shariah, deviations include claims that the Friday prayer (Solat Jumaat) is not obligatory until the Mahdi’s government is established and the continuous practice of combining and shortening prayers (Jamak Qasar) under the pretext of being in a state of struggle (fisabilillah).
The economic deviations, it said, include the misuse of charitable homes to secure donations from the public and the government, and the exploitation of members, who work without wages or have their daily allowances misused.
“In light of this, any members of the GISBH congregation or Muslims practising GISBH beliefs and teachings are obligated to repent and immediately abandon these beliefs,” it added.
Sabah follows Selangor, Melaka, Pahang, and Perils in declaring GISBH's teachings as deviant. - October 17, 2024
