THE recent re-emergence of materials promoting the Ahmadi Religion, declared heretical in Johor, is believed to have been orchestrated by individuals from outside the state, authorities said.
Johor State Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) Deputy Director Yusree Ikhsan confirmed that investigations indicate local residents were not involved in the distribution of the controversial teachings.
He cautioned that while the activity remains under control, Muslims in the state should remain vigilant and not be swayed by any deviant doctrines.
“The distribution of posters promoting the heretical teachings was first detected by the Muar Municipal Council (MPM), after they were displayed at several public locations in the town of Muar recently.
“MPM subsequently removed the posters on Friday for being displayed without authorisation before referring the matter to JAINJ,” he said.
Authorities have verified that the materials indeed propagated Ahmadi teachings that contradict Islamic tenets. To date, no arrests have been made, though monitoring will continue to prevent recurrence.
According to records, a follower of the same sect in Pontian was prosecuted last year and sentenced to a RM6,000 fine and three months’ imprisonment after being convicted on three charges related to possessing materials associated with the deviant teachings.
Earlier, images circulated on social media showing posters and banners promoting the teachings, believed to have been displayed in several heavily frequented areas in Muar last Friday.
JAINJ noted that among the Ahmadi Religion beliefs that contradict mainstream Islamic doctrine is the conviction that Muhammad bin al-Hassan al-Askari, the 12th Shia Imam, is the Imam al-Mahdi, purportedly in hiding and expected to appear at the end of times.
Followers also believe Ahmad al-Hasan, or al-Yamani, is a messenger of the Imam al-Mahdi tasked with delivering a new sharia to complete the teachings of previous prophets. - January 31, 2026
