KUALA LUMPUR: The National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs has declared Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) deviant.
MKI Muzakarah Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Nooh Gadut said the decision to declare GISB deviant was made following its meeting in September.
He said among the group's deviant teachings was its claim that Asy Syeikh Muhammad Abdullah As-Suhaimi or Syeikh Muhammad Suhaimi was the Imam Mahdi.
Another of the group's deviant beliefs was considering Al-Arqam founder, Asaari Muhammad, the assistant to Imam Mahdi at the end of days.
"The public is advised to stay away from deviant teachings and beliefs. This includes believing and practising deviant beliefs, or teaching and spreading them."
GISB had been under scrutiny following police raids on Sept 11, on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the organisation, which led to the rescue of 402 people, mostly children.
A comprehensive evaluation of the children revealed that many of them had suffered physical and emotional abuse, with 13 reportedly being sexually assaulted.
GISB denied all allegations of child exploitation and abuse.
Separately, the group is being probed by religious authorities over deviant teachings.
Several states including Penang, Perlis, Selangor, Pahang, Sabah and Melaka have declared GISB deviant.
In a statement, Nooh Gadut said those who had followed GISB's deviant teachings should repent.
He added it was prohibited for anyone to possess material linked to the group including books, posters, magazines, audio clips and videos among others.
Nooh Gadut said the committee also recommends federal and state authorities allocate resources to facilitate the rehabilitation of GISB members.