PETALING JAYA: Perlis has become the first state to declare the Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISB) as a deviant sect.
In a statement, the Perlis Fatwa State Committee said it was convinced by evidence proving that GISB propagated deviant teachings and is a continuation of the already-banned Al-Arqam.
The committee also stated that GISB's economic model runs contrary to Islamic teachings, which do not allow the exploitation and slavery of children and women.
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"After receiving evidence on GISB and being convinced, the Perlis Fatwa State Committee has decided that the beliefs and teachings of GISB include deviant elements, particularly in spiritual beliefs.
"This is also a continuation of the Al-Arqam teachings which have been banned nationally.
"The beliefs of the GISB community, which idolises their leaders and religious figures, have crossed the limits to equating them with prophethood, possessing the ability to perform miracles and knowing the unseen as though they were God.
"This belief is deviant and is considered to have strayed from Islam.
"The idolisation of leaders has fostered loyalty to these figures even when it goes against the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet.
"GISB followers also blindly follow their leaders' instructions, even when contrary to Islam.
"They also take blessings from their leaders’ body parts and justify their actions with excuses such as Imam Mahdi, Prophet Muhammad, saints, etc.," the statement said.
The committee also noted that GISB followers believe their dead leaders are still alive to guide them and have created new laws on marriage and prayers contrary to Islam.
"We urge the Muslim community to assist GISB followers in rehabilitating themselves. Zakat can be used for their rehabilitation to provide education, rebuild lives, offer protection and cover legal fees to help them free themselves from GISB," said the Perlis Fatwa State Committee.
GISB has been in the news after its charity houses were raided and 402 children were rescued amid allegations of sexual abuse and grooming.
To date, police have arrested many GISB leaders and followers, with some already charged in court.
With 25 subsidiaries and associated companies, GISB has a presence across 20 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The company operates various businesses, including retail marts, catering, poultry, event management, consultancy services and tours.
There are also restaurants in London, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai and Mecca under its banner.
Within the company, there are 51 departments based in seven sectors: education and human capital; administration and finance; multimedia and communications; agriculture, stock breeding and fishery; community, welfare, family and health; youth and Sunnah sports; and business, manufacturing and tourism.
GISB leaders have denied being a deviant sect, although they admit that a couple of sexual abuse cases did occur in their community.
