Malaysian Students In Middle East Should Be Cautious Of Syiah, Wahabi Teachings - Islamic Scholar

AMMAN (Jordan), April 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysian students who pursue their studies in Middle Eastern countries have been reminded to always be careful of teachings which contradict those of Sunnah Wal-Jamaah. The Mufti (Islamic scholar) of Malaysia's state Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Yusof Ahmad said although they were free to pursue knowledge in all areas, it should be towards strengthening their understanding of the Shafie sect observed by Muslims in Malaysia. "This is what is worrying parents and sponsors as our students study overseas, but when they return, their beliefs are not longer aligned to those of Muslims in Malaysia. "Although free to seek knowledge, but let that knowledge be useful for us to become better than those that oppose us," he told Malaysian media here Thursday. He said Syiah and Wahabi were being propagated in Malaysia by students who had studied in Middle Eastern countries. He said, if not curtailed, these teachings would gain a following among Malaysians, thus dividing Muslims in Malaysia. "Those who uphold these teachings would be in contradiction with local practices (of the Sunnah wal-Jamaah) of our society. "But if these teachings are brought by those with high qualifications such as those with doctorate or general degrees, then they could be easily spread," he said. He said although Malaysians were free to practise their beliefs, these teachings could lead to friction and dissatisfaction among followers of the Sunnah wal-Jamaah. As such, he said, students overseas, especially in countries whose communities follow the Syiah or Wahabi teachings, should be careful and be firm in their beliefs in the Sunnah wal-Jamaah. Yusof was here as on a working visit with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Mohamad Hasan to Jordan, Egypt and Morocco to observe the development of the state's students. --BERNAMA