Sabah Fatwa Council Declares GISB as Deviant

Sabah Fatwa Council Declares GISB Practices Contradict Islamic Teachings

The Sabah Fatwa Council recently declared that the teachings, practices, beliefs, and ideology of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) and its affiliated companies deviate from Islamic teachings based on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah. This decision was made at a Special Muzakarah of the 2024 Sabah Fatwa Council held on October 1st and 2nd.

Deviations Identified by the Sabah Mufti’s Office

The Sabah Mufti’s office highlighted several key deviations in GISB’s teachings and practices:

• Aqidah (Faith): GISB deviates from the true teachings of Islam, including beliefs about Ashaari Mohammad or Abuya being in occultation and appearing as the assistant of Imam Mahdi in the afterlife.
• Syariah (Islamic Law): Claims that the Friday prayer is not obligatory until the Imam Mahdi’s government is established, and combining the five obligatory prayers to be performed at once instead of at designated times.
• Akhlak (Behaviour): Practices such as seeking blessings (tabarruk) from objects used by GISB leaders, including consuming food or water used by leaders for personal hygiene.
• Muamalah (Economic Transactions): Misuse of charity homes to secure donations and exploitation of members who work without pay.
  

  Implications and Call for Repentance
  

  The council expressed concerns that these deviations could lead to division within the Muslim community and potentially threaten national security. Therefore, they have urged all GISB members and Muslims practicing these beliefs to repent immediately.

  In conclusion, the Sabah Fatwa Council’s declaration serves as a warning against deviant teachings and practices that stray from the core principles of Islam.

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  Analysis: Understanding the Significance of the Sabah Fatwa Council’s Declaration
  

  The Sabah Fatwa Council’s declaration regarding GISB’s practices is significant for several reasons:

  1. Preservation of Islamic Teachings: By identifying and addressing deviations from Islamic teachings, the council aims to uphold the authenticity and integrity of Islamic beliefs and practices.
  2. Community Unity: The council’s stance against teachings that could lead to division within the Muslim community underscores the importance of unity and cohesion among believers.
  3. National Security: The council’s concerns about potential threats to national security highlight the broader implications of deviant ideologies and practices within religious communities.
  4. Call for Reflection and Correction: The call for repentance from GISB members and practitioners of deviant beliefs emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and adherence to authentic Islamic teachings.

     Overall, the Sabah Fatwa Council’s declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the true teachings of Islam and safeguarding the unity and security of the Muslim community.