Muslims reminded to be cautious of religious preaching on Internet

Muslims in this country have been advised not to easily accept religious teachings on the Internet or foreign religious teachers who may contravene true Islamic teachings.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said Muslims in Malaysia should be cautious with certain parties who might spread liberal Islamic teachings here. "At the same time, Muslims are advised not to easily accept religious teachings on the Internet where the true sources are not known and could be in conflict with true Islamic teachings.

"We have to be careful with what is on the Internet. If in doubt, it should be immediately reported to the religious authorities or the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim)," he told reporters after the official opening of the multipurpose hall at Kampung Menerong Mosque, Ajil, here.

Jailani said Muslims should also be cautious of foreign religious teachers as many people impersonated as such teachers but were actually opportunists with hidden agendas. He said religious teachers who gave talks on Islam, including those in religious schools, should be verified as certified teachers by the religious authorities and Jakim.

On Sunday, local newspapers reported that Indonesian liberal Muslim speaker, Ulil Abshar-Abdalla had been denied entry into the country for fear that his presence could adversely affect the faith of Muslims here.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Immigration Department had already been instructed to monitor and stop Ulil from giving talks which was scheduled for Oct 15 on the invitation of several non-governmental organisations here.