IPOH: Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak has urged that mosques and surau be cleansed of individuals spreading deviant teachings.
The Perak Ruler highlighted a rise in incidents where misleading narratives and divisive ideologies are propagated by those assuming the role of religious scholars or clerics.
"Recently, we have witnessed an alarming trend among individuals who assumed themselves religious scholars or clerics.
"Religious talks, sermons, and discussions have increasingly become platforms for slander and false statements, often influenced by political biases," he said during the opening of the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Muzakarah, themed "Empowering the Integration Between Fiqh and Tasawwuf," at Casuarina@Meru Hotel on Tuesday (Feb 25).
"Mosques and prayer halls, originally intended to unite the ummah, are increasingly being exploited as arenas for spreading divisive ideologies and falsehoods.
"These transgressions have gone too far and must be addressed. Turning a blind eye on such behaviour is akin to allowing a malignant disease to spread, risking further division within the community," he added.
It was reported that four imams have been suspended, and their allowances withheld after being found guilty of not reading the Friday sermon text prepared by the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk).
The imams were from the districts of Parit Buntar, Teluk Intan, and Kuala Kangsar.
Earlier this month, former Titi Serong Assemblyman Hasnul Zulkarnain Abd Munaim lodged a police report regarding allegations that a preacher at a mosque in Teluk Intan did not read the prepared Friday sermon text.
Sultan Nazrin called on the state's religious bodies, Orang Besar Jajahan, mosques, and parishes to continue identifying these individuals.
"The Islamic Religious Council and Perak Malay Custom, JAIPk, the Mufti's office, together with the Orang Besar Jajahan, mosque committees, and parishes must remain vigilant in identifying individuals who exploit religion to propagate misguided ideologies.
"Those granted credentials to preach and teach in mosques and surau do so by royal decree conferred by the Ruler, based on recommendations from the Mufti's office, following a thorough evaluation.
"The relevant authorities should conduct fair and just investigations, thoroughly examining the facts and validity of reports concerning incidents that violate work ethics.
"The findings and any decisions made by the authorities regarding any party involved, upon the completion of the appeal process, must be formally presented along with the recommendations for the consideration of the Ruler as deemed appropriate," he added.
His Royal Highness also emphasised that in both Islam and Malay culture, adab (manners) encompasses proper etiquette, noble character, politeness, discipline, respect, honesty, sincerity, and compassion — elements that shape virtuous human nature.
"Scholars emphasise the importance of manners before seeking knowledge. They prioritise manners over knowledge, as one who possesses knowledge without manners may become a flawed cleric propagating deviant teachings," he added.
