Ahmad Fauwaz Heads Committee To Develop Rehab Syllabus For GISBH Victims, Followers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) – Islamic scholar and member of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), Ahmad Fauwaz Ali@Fadzil, has been appointed as the chairman of a special committee tasked with developing a syllabus for the rehabilitation of aqidah (faith) for victims and followers of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the committee will also include five other experts in the field of aqidah.

He said the rehabilitation syllabus would focus on appropriate methods and ways to restore the aqidah understanding of GISBH victims and followers, particularly the children.

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"Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) already has an aqidah rehabilitation module, even for followers of Al-Arqam, but the syllabus and module are for adults.

"We still do not have a specific module for children, which is why I have entrusted Ustaz Fauwaz and the five members, who are aqidah experts, to develop this syllabus. This will enable us to rehabilitate the aqidah of both the adults and child followers," he said.

He spoke to reporters after attending the 2024 World Quran Symposium held in conjunction with the 64th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

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In September, the police launched "Op Global" and raided charity homes linked to GISBH,  suspected of being involved in the exploitation of children and religion across Peninsular Malaysia. More than 600 children and teenagers were rescued in the raids.

Mohd Na'im said the committee has been given two months to develop the syllabus, which is expected to be ready for use by the end of November.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks at the symposium, Mohd Na'im stressed the importance of exposure, teaching, and internalisation of the Al-Quran as the foundation of knowledge among the younger generation to ensure the strength of faith and integrity of character in Muslim youths.

He said the importance of Al-Quran as a source of civilisation's development has long been proven and has served as a foundation for the emergence of a knowledge-based civilisation.

"Thus, it is crucial to understand and internalise Quranic teachings as a primary source to build a civilisation that focuses on physical and material aspects and integrates spiritual and moral dimensions.

"Through the teachings of Al-Quran and a strong foundation of knowledge, Muslims, especially youths will certainly be able to develop the strength and resilience to face all kinds of challenges in life," he said.

-- BERNAMA