Muslims urged to report 'praying with fan' incidences

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad said this seemed to be the latest trend among young people and this should not be happening.

"I advise them to enrich themselves with religious knowledge, seek the help of a religious teacher or attend lectures at mosques or surau.

"Do not insult Islam and follow blindly what is shown on Youtube or other unknown sources. This nonsensical practice must be reported to the religious office so that action can be taken," he said when met by reporters at the Pas Aidilfitri Open House, also attended by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the Indera Mulia Stadium here today.

Recently, there has been a trend where young people perform their prayers with an oscillating fan, making it as their make-believe spouse as shared on videos, mostly uploaded by people who are single.

Meanwhile, when asked about allegations of fraud using Islam and religious figures to deceive the community, actually intended for personal gain, the PAS vice-president described such acts as wicked and outrageous.

"Victims of such scams must come forward so that the authorities can take action against those involved," he said.

Last Tuesday, Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Malaysia (Aswaja) president Dr Zamihan Mat Zin Al -Ghari was reported to have said the fraudulent transactions or scams included donation campaigns, waqf donations and dubious umrah packages.