A former imam from Kelantan pleaded not guilty in the Muadzam Shah Syariah Lower Court near Rompin with two counts of possession of books on Shiite teachings in September last year.

On the first count, Abdullah Isa, 65, was charged with possession of books containing Syiah teachings, which violated the fatwa (edict) gazetted by the State of Pahang, at 2pm in a house at No 78 in Ulu Keratong Risda Espeks Housing Complex, Muadzam Shah, on Sept 27.

On the second count, he was charged with possession of books containing Shiite teachings which contravened the teachings of the four schools of Islamic law (mazhabs) namely Syafi’e, Hanafi, Hambali and Maliki, on the same day at the same time and place.

Abdullah was charged under Section 165 of the Pahang Islamic Religious Administration and Malay Customs Enactment 1982 which carries a maximum jail term of one year or fine up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.

Syarie Judge Abu Kasim Pilus allowed Abdullah bail of RM500 in one surety and set April 2 for mention.

- Bernama