SHAH ALAM: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has taken action regarding a viral video on social media involving a preacher and students at an event where certain praises were recited in Arabic.
According to Sinar Harian, Jakim director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, said that they have contacted the Kedah State Islamic Affairs Department and the Kedah Mufti Department to investigate the matter.
"In response to the statement made by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Jakim has completed a comprehensive report on the issue.
"The video shows a group of students at an event reciting qasidah in front of their teacher.
"The qasidah is alleged to contain verses in Arabic that excessively praise their teacher. Generally, praising someone is permissible as long as the praise is truthful and not false," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Earlier, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, requested Jakim to prepare a report and bring the matter to the attention of the Kedah State Islamic Affairs Department and the Kedah Mufti Department.
Meanwhile, Sirajuddin expressed hope that the announcement regarding the issue would help ease tensions and not cause division within the community.
"Jakim will also continue to provide explanations to the Muslim community regarding sound beliefs based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ), in line with the Minister's recommendations," he added.