JAIS denies approving controversial marriage motivation programme in 2022
Its director, Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad (picture) said on Nov 15, 2022, a Clarification Panel appointed by JAIS had obtained an explanation from the organiser following complaints from participants alleging that there were activities that violated Islamic teachings.
He said during the clarification session, the panel was presented with a video used by the organiser, which included a 'self-pleasure' technique for women, allegedly to strengthen marital intimacy.
Following this, the panel recommended that several aspects and approaches in the programme be revised or removed if they conflicted with Islamic law. The company was also advised to consult religious authorities or experts to ensure full compliance with Islamic law throughout its programmes.
'The organiser was also instructed to include a disclaimer stating that the video (which the panel had instructed to be revised) was intended for use by married couples only,' he said.
'This advice was given to the organiser as a preventive measure against the inclusion of any content that contravenes Islamic law,' he said in a statement today.
Mohd Shahzihan clarified that the disclaimer suggested by the panel did not imply that the programme's entire content or modules had been approved, as the company never submitted the complete module to JAIS following the panel's recommendations to this day.
'JAIS is confident that had the company adhered to the recommendations made by the panel in 2022, the alleged incident during the programme held at the IDCC Shah Alam (Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam) would not have occurred,' he said.
In line with the decision of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), he said JAIS has been tasked with reviewing and improving the Guidelines for Organising Islamic Religious and Spiritual Programmes by considering various incidents, including this case, that have drawn public criticism.
The revised guidelines aim to provide a more comprehensive reference for organisers wishing to hold programmes with spiritual or religious elements in Selangor.
'JAIS urges the Muslim community in Selangor to continue playing an active role by providing information and reporting any religious or spiritual programmes with suspicious content to the department.
'Accurate information from the public is crucial to help JAIS safeguard the principles and implementation of authentic Islamic teachings in line with the understanding of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in Selangor,' he added.
Previously, the company in question issued a statement claiming that its 2022 programme had received JAIS' approval after submitting clarifications to the state's religious authority.
On July 12, Mohd Shahzihan confirmed in a statement that JAIS had summoned the organiser of the marriage motivation programme in 2022 following a complaint from a former participant, who alleged that the module used in the programme was inappropriate and unsuitable. — BERNAMA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Islamic Centre 66% completed, targets December opening
Walter and architect Dr Meor Zawari Hassan (left) presenting the design and finishes for the Sandakan Islamic Centre's main prayer hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 24): The Sandakan Islamic Centre project, now 66% complete, is expected to be fully finished by the end of December this year. Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson stated that the council is committed to completing this modern complex — inspired by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman — by year-end, making it ready for use during next year's Hari Raya prayers. 'We are scheduling completion by the end of this year, ideally before year-end, so it can be fully operational for next year's Hari Raya. Our primary target is for the Sandakan Islamic Centre to be inaugurated and fully functional by Hari Raya 2026,' he explained. Walter added that the centre will feature designs, motifs and finishes from Uzbekistan, adapted to incorporate Sabah's local motifs. 'Progress has been very positive thus far, which is why we sought approval from His Excellency Tun Musa Aman for specific motifs, designs and finishes. Tun requested the incorporation of certain elements in key sections of the centre — particularly the prayer area, main hall and VIP waiting area — blending Uzbek designs with local Sabah motifs and styles,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. Meanwhile, Tun Musa expressed profound satisfaction in a statement on Thursday over the encouraging progress of the Sandakan Islamic Centre, which will become a significant landmark for Islamic development in Sabah's east coast. He noted that the project will not only serve as a centre for worship and education but also foster unity among Sabah's multiethnic and multireligious communities through inclusive and harmonious outreach. 'I extend my appreciation to all involved, especially the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) and the state government, for their commitment to community development and societal well-being. May the Sandakan Islamic Centre become a symbol of spiritual progress and unity in Sabah,' the statement read. Construction of the RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre began in 2017 on a 5.2-hectare site at Jalan Sungai Kayu, Sandakan, but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability in Sabah. Upon completion, the facility will include a kindergarten, tahfiz centre, administrative offices for JHEAINS, MUIS (Sabah Islamic Religious Council), and Baitulmal (Islamic Treasury), a multipurpose hall, and a prayer hall accommodating over 1,000 worshippers.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Why Siti Kasim's 'think a thousand times before converting for the sake of marrying' is gospel truth
LOVE conquers all or so it would seem. Take away the first flushes of romance, married life is full of unexpected pitfalls and challenges. So warned human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim on her Facebook page recently on the many instances marital breakdown has led to a spouse wishing to leave a religion which he or she converted into for the sake of nuptials. As it is not so easy to declare apostasy as in the case of Muslim convert spouses – in fact, it is very much a one-way traffic – it is best that one thinks long and hard when choosing a Muslim life partner, she counselled. Sharing a video of a Muslim wife lamenting about her convert husband's refusal to adhere to certain Islamic practices, the legal eagle – while chiding the woman for washing dirty laundry on social media – contended that such is a chilling reminder of how fast reality of life would creep in once marital bliss has faded. In the video which was first posted on Berani Viral's Facebook page, the lady identified only as Ema complained about her husband's fondness for his pet dog. The canine which Ema admits is cute has clearly become a major bone of contention as its very presence within the home has greatly upset her. Additionally, she is also infuriated by her husband partaking in some Taoist praying ritual alongside his grandmother who is living with them in addition to his fondness for Chinese food with dubious halal status. However, Ema was berated by one commenter for being narrow-minded with her religious interpretations having contained too many restrictions which were not universal Islamic values. He went on to chide the lady for not being able to differentiate between religious and cultural practices. One lady commenter who claimed to have divorced from her Muslim convert spouse revealed that she never felt the urge to share him on social media. Foolish seems to be the verdict here. The same sentiment was echoed by more than a few who thought such story telling of family matters in public to be in poor taste. One commenter seemed to hit the nail on the head by asking why marry a convert if the lady was unwilling to compromise or buy into a different cultural background. Such small-minded individuals are ill-suited to mixed marriages it was observed, hence Ema should have sought a Malay-Muslim spouse from the off to avoid all the challenges she is now facing. It was also pointed out that in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, does not require non-Muslims to convert to Islam before legally marrying a Muslim. There was little sympathy for Ema as many saw her rant as attention-seeking as well as displaying her narrow-mindedness for all to see. One commenter even urged the husband to simply kick out this complaining spouse instead of his beloved dog. That may be a tad drastic. The one thing that the video does highlight – regardless of one's cultural or religious beliefs – is that mixed marriages can be fraught with difficulties. Love can indeed conquer, but only if you let it … with a huge slice of compromise. – July 2025
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Mainland China tourists learn how to eat with hands in heartwarming video
WHY should tradition and culture be a barrier towards racial unity? Although humans crave the comforts of the tribe and all its rituals, we are still bound by the invisible thread of camaraderie that makes up the centrepiece of humanity. Take it from a recent video, where several curious tourists from China could be seen learning how to eat with their hands from a patient Malay auntie. It is a very heartwarming video, showcasing the exchange of culture in such a candid fashion. Mungkin mudah untuk yang dah biasa. Bagusnya dia ajar cara makan nasi lemak pakai tangan. Ni mesti dari China ni. Elok lah tu belajar makan pakai tangan 👍🏻 — kamaghul deghaman (@kamaghul) July 21, 2025 One of the tourists even praised the Malay auntie, saying that they were very clean when using their hands to eat their meals. 'Like us, we do until whole hand dirty,' she said. But for those not in the know, eating with one's hand is not just a way of life. In Malaysia, eating with your hands is more than just a tradition. It is seen as a way to connect more deeply with the food. Many believe that using your fingers enhances the overall dining experience by engaging more of the senses, especially taste and texture. Typically, Malaysians eat with their right hand, as the left hand is traditionally viewed as unhygienic in Islamic practices, being used for personal cleansing. The method involves mixing the food, usually with rice, and skillfully using the fingers to bring it to the mouth. Most people rely on the thumb and first two fingers for this, while the other fingers stay curled in. In some cases, bread like roti canai is used to scoop up the food instead of the fingers. This practice isn't exclusive to Malay culture. In Indian communities, eating with the hands is also common and is thought to aid digestion and make meals more enjoyable. —July 22, 2025 Main image: @kamaghul (X)
