PETALING JAYA: Selangor has become the second state to declare Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) an organisation that promotes deviant teachings in a fatwa today.
The Selangor Royal Office said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah assented to the state fatwa committee’s decision on Sept 30.
“The Selangor fatwa committee is satisfied that GISBH’s leaders, followers, workers or members, as well as those in its network, are still practicing teachings practised by the Darul Arqam group, which was banned in 1993.
'The beliefs, teachings, principles and practices of GISBH and its network involve elements that deviate from true Islamic teachings," it said in a statement today.
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Last month, Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin declared that GISBH promoted deviant beliefs and operated businesses in an unIslamic manner.
The Perlis fatwa committee concluded that GISBH’s beliefs were a continuation of those adopted by the banned Al-Arqam movement, and that they foster a cult-like devotion to its leaders, elevating them to a status comparable to Prophet Muhammad.
Previously, the Selangor ruler ordered the immediate closure of all charitable homes and Islamic schools under GISBH and its network, which are unregistered and suspected of being involved in criminal activities.
GISBH previously said it had discarded its former image as the business wing of Al-Arqam and was currently positioned as a multinational company.
The company is the focus of police investigations after 402 children were rescued from 20 of its welfare homes last month, with investigations revealing at least 13 cases of sexual abuse.
More than 300 people associated with GISBH, including its top management, have been detained in recent operations, while the firm is also being probed for alleged forced labour.
Earlier, police said it froze over RM1.35 million in 206 bank accounts linked to GISBH.
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