BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Department of Syariah Affairs, issued a reminder urging the public to remain vigilant against any teachings or groups that may deviate from the teachings of Islam and Syariah law.
The warning follows a recent case in a neighbouring country involving a business entity associated with a group that has been declared deviant, drawing serious attention from local authorities.
As a precaution, the public is advised to be cautious of teachings exhibiting certain characteristics, including fanaticism and excessive devotion to specific individuals, practices suggesting deviation, such as keeping body remnants as charms or using them in business and extreme beliefs.
The public is also cautioned against misinterpretations and wrongful applications of religious laws, such as introducing rituals without basis in Islam, like performing zikir that praises specific individuals or shortening the five daily prayers without legitimate reasons under Syariah law.
Additionally, social isolation of individuals who detach from their family and community responsibilities to focus solely on a particular group, despite Islam’s encouragement of brotherhood and unity, is a cause for concern.
Lastly, repeated requests for financial donations without clear purpose or with suspicious or coercive elements should also raise concerns.
Individuals who teach or promote Islamic teachings that contradict Syariah law or engage in practices that oppose it are committing an offence under the Syariah Penal Code, with penalties that may include fines of up to BND20,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both.
The public can report any suspicious activities or share any questionable content with the Faith and Belief Control and Research Unit at the Department of Syariah Affairs by calling 8330080. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
