JAIM To Probe Promotion Of Banned Teachings In Melaka

MELAKA, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government has identified attempts to promote deviant teachings under the name 'The Ahmadi Religion Peace and Light' in the state following the discovery of promotional banners on a pedestrian bridge along the Alor Gajah-Melaka Tengah-Jasin (AMJ) Highway in Peringgit Jaya here.

State Education, Higher Education, and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the teachings had been declared deviant, misleading, and contrary to Islamic teachings and Sharia law during a Fatwa Committee Meeting on Oct 3 last year.

"Previously, the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) had not received any reports regarding individuals practising these teachings. However, today we were shocked by the banners put up.

"JAIM takes this matter very seriously and will not compromise on issues related to deviant teachings, as they could provoke and disrupt societal harmony," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Rahmad, accompanied by JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat, inspected the location where the banners were displayed.

Commenting further, Rahmad said the banners, bearing the text 'Abdullah Hashem is Al-Mahdi, Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light,' were believed to have been put up last night but were taken down this morning.

He added that JAIM would lodge a police report and conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the act.

"I urge those involved to return to the teachings of Islam under Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ). Should they require guidance, JAIM is ready to provide assistance," he said.

-- BERNAMA