The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has urged the public, particularly Muslims, to verify the background and legitimacy of religious and spiritual programmes before participating, following the discovery of attempts by certain individuals and groups to influence the public through such activities.
In a statement, the ministry said monitoring and investigations by the Religious Enforcement Division under the Department of Syariah Affairs found that some individuals or groups have been using religious programmes, study circles, social media and online platforms to build networks and gradually expand their influence.
According to the ministry, these efforts are often carried out through personal relationships, closed religious study sessions, youth development programmes and other activities before being extended to the wider community.
As religious talks and study sessions become increasingly accessible both in person and online, the ministry advised the public to exercise caution and ensure that the speakers, teaching materials and organisers are credible.
It also reminded the public to ensure that any religious or spiritual programme has obtained approval from the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The ministry advised the public to be cautious of programmes that:
- are conducted without MUIB approval;
- falsely imply endorsement by recognised religious scholars or institutions;
- promote teachings or practices that contradict Islamic law and the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed;
- misuse spiritual practices, Sufism or tazkiyatun nafs (self-purification) to establish exclusive groups or spread deviant teachings;
- encourage excessive devotion or blind loyalty to a particular teacher; or
- collect fees or donations for unclear or suspicious purposes.
MoRA also reminded the public that anyone wishing to teach or deliver religious instruction in Brunei Darussalam must first obtain written permission from MUIB, unless exempted under the law.
Failure to do so constitutes an offence under Section 229 of the Syariah Penal Code (Chapter 275), which carries a penalty of a fine of up to BND8,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
The ministry added that individuals who disseminate teachings or conduct practices contrary to Islamic law may also face action under the same provision.
The public was further advised to seek religious knowledge only from recognised teachers and institutions and not to be easily influenced by programmes organised by individuals or groups with unknown backgrounds.
MoRA also expressed appreciation to members of the public who have assisted by providing information on suspicious religious activities.
Anyone wishing to report suspicious religious or spiritual activities may contact the Aqidah Control and Research Unit of the Religious Enforcement Division, Department of Syariah Affairs, through its hotline.
SOURCE/AUTHOR :BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohammad
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