KANGAR: The spread of deviant teachings brought by GISB Holdings (GISB) must be combated at its roots to eradicate any cult-like elements or the deification of individuals wearing 'religious attire'.
Perlis mufti, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, said that the deviations within GISBH are seen as central to the need for a large-scale crackdown on this teaching due to the cult-like nature of excessively deifying certain parties.
"This is at the heart of the issue, as there appears to be an element of venerating those in 'religious clothing', whether they are religious leaders, teachers, or ustaz, beyond the levels taught in the Quran and sunnah.
"This development leads to a situation where they cease to function rationally, following illogical and incorrect paths, even if they are misguided.
"The justification given, claiming greater knowledge, makes these individuals seem as if they are representatives of God who can perform miracles," he said.
He made these remarks after presenting zakat contributions to former GISB members at the Perlis Centre of Wisdom, organised by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) today.
In this regard, Mohd Asri acknowledged that the issue concerning GISB clearly reflects a recurring history due to the failure to eradicate its roots.
Therefore, he said that the Perlis fatwa places emphasis on the effort to eliminate the roots of these deviant teachings.
"We strive to eradicate this 'root' because we do not want any cult-like behaviour within religious circles or among anyone else. In this matter, I am very grateful for all that has been disclosed by the Inspector-General of Police and also the Prime Minister.
"The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has mentioned the excessive fanaticism that will always be exploited by certain parties to take advantage of others.
"In this case, the (teacher or leader) cultivates an extreme fanaticism through this cult, leading thousands of people to drink water when instructed, to divorce (from their wives) when told, or to refrain from seeing their children, and they are willing to comply blindly.
"This signifies that they listen and obey without question," he added.
Mohd Asri said that if society wishes to eliminate this element, it must consistently make religious education a means to combat such cult-like behaviour.
"It should be remembered that all humans are fallible, and only the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is infallible, where every ordinary person's words can be accepted or rejected, except for those of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
"If this can be instilled and rooted within society, we will successfully manage this situation," he said.