Ashaari's daughter denies GISBH practising deviant teachings

Al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad’s daughter has denied that Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) practises deviant teachings.

Responding to reporters' questions, Khaulah Ashaari stated that GISBH is committed to not straying from the teachings of Sunni Islam or practising other teachings that have been declared deviant.

"So, in terms of practices, GISBH itself is consistent in no longer practising any teachings considered deviant.

"And I think some are aware that we ourselves have attended courses (organised) by the authorities, including those from the religious departments.

"We have also undergone the process of istitabah (repentance) and have committed to no longer practising anything from al-Arqam after that," Khaulah told a press conference in Shah Alam today.

The GISBH subsidiary director stressed that GISBH no longer practiced Aurad Muhammadiah - the teaching that caused Al-Arqam to be banned in 1994.

Under close watch

She also said that GISBH schools in Selangor follow a syllabus approved by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais), which also closely monitors them.

On further questioning, however, Khaulah could not rule out the possibility that some in GISBH were still following deviant practices.

"I don't know about that (fringe members). But fundamentally, we always discuss and are monitored by religious departments to ensure that such practices are no more," she said.

She cited GISBH chief executive Nasiruddin Mohd Ali's advice for members to follow fatwas and to focus on the business aspects of the group.

On a video of GISBH members appearing to deify Ashaari, Khaulah said the clip dates back to 2011 but was only made viral now.

She declined to comment on allegations that the group exploited children, saying the matter was under investigation.

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