MELAKA: A son of the Al-Arqam movement’s founder and his 41-year-old wife were charged for allegedly conspiring and attempting to insult Islam at the Syariah High Court in Ayer Keroh here.
Muhammad Athoullah As'aari, 39, who is the son of the late Ashaari Muhammad, also known as 'Abuya' and Ummu Habibah Raihan claimed trial before Syariah Judge Mohd Yunus Mohamad Zin on Thurs (Dec 19).
Based on the charge sheet, Muhammad Athoullah was found in possession of three documents that were seized during a raid on Sept 21, 2024.
The documents included a book titled "Politik Islam Membawa Kasih Sayang Bil 2857, Pendidikan Rasulullah Bil 2185" and a framed image of As'aari.
The offences were allegedly committed at a residence addressed SI 220, Jalan Ayer Molek Perdana 10, Taman Ayer Molek Perdana, Kuala Sungai Baru in Alor Gajah here.
The offence is registered under Section 63 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment of Melaka (1991), which criminalises attempts to insult Islam by undermining fatwas issued by the Mufti, as published in the Gazette on Aug 11, 1994 and Aug 2, 2007.
If convicted, the accused could face a fine of up to RM5,000, jailed for up to 36 months or both.
Meanwhile, the charge on Ummu Habibah detailed that she allegedly conspired with Muhammad Athoullah to commit the same offence at the same time and location.
She could face a fine of up to RM5,000 or a jail term for up to 36 months or both, under the same Section of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment, upon conviction.
The prosecution was led by the state's Chief Syariah Prosecutor Atras Mohamad Zin, along with his deputies Norazita Mohd Ali, Ummu Hani Hishamuddin, Rabiatul Adawiah Mohd Dahlan and Mohd Rafaie Zasari.
Both accused were represented by Syariah lawyers Mohd Hafizuddin Ahmad Mispha and Mohd Faizal Mohamad.
The court set the bail of RM1,000 bail for Muhammad Athoullah while his wife was granted a bail of RM3,000 with the next hearing date fixed on Feb 13, 2025.
During the proceedings, the court also deferred the charges for two other sons of Ashaari, aged 42 and 45, as well as their wives, who were supposed to face similar charges on Thurs (Dec 19).
Their cases will be heard on February 13, 2025.
