The Malaysian government has issued a controversial religious decree condemning the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), labeling its teachings as “deviant” and incompatible with Sunni Islam. This official ruling, issued by the 124th National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) sparks concerns about freedom of religion in Malaysia.
This religious decree comes amid growing reports of persecution of AROPL members in Malaysia. Recently, several members of AROPL have been targeted for defending the rights of LGBTQ individuals, as well as for promoting their faith. One notable incident involved the arrest of a 60-year-old retired firefighter, who was taken into custody for speaking publicly about the AROPL teachings.
The MKI’s Muzakarah Committee, which convened from June 26 to 28, 2024, reviewed the beliefs and practices of AROPL in detail. According to the decree, the AROPL’s teachings are incompatible with mainstream Islamic doctrine in several areas. Among the most contested points are:
The Concept of the Mahdi: AROPL’s belief in the 12th Shia Imam, Muhammad bin al-Hassan al-Askari, as the hidden Mahdi, challenges traditional Sunni interpretations of Islamic eschatology. The decree also criticizes the group’s concept of “Mahdis” who succeed the 12 Imams.
Mistakes of the Prophets: The decree accuses AROPL of misrepresenting the lives and actions of prominent prophets, such as Noah, Lot, and Abraham. The confirmation of mistakes of the prophets that are mentioned in the Bible are viewed as a violation of Islamic teachings.
Religious Practices: The ruling specifically targets AROPL’s reinterpretation of essential religious practices like prayer, hijab, and fasting, including its stances on alcohol, the hijab’s obligation, and the timing of Ramadan. The decree asserts that such beliefs are at odds with the core principles of Islam.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the decree is its explicit prohibition on the practice and dissemination of AROPL’s teachings. The decree bans the distribution of materials related to AROPL and calls for Muslims who follow these beliefs to repent. It instructs Malaysians to refrain from practicing or spreading AROPL’s teachings, with any related publications, broadcasts, or materials also prohibited. The decree further urges that Muslims must adhere strictly to standard Sunni beliefs.
As the Malaysian government moves forward with this decree, its impact on religious freedom and minority rights remains a pressing concern. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light considers this decree a strong infringement of freedom of religion and belief in Malaysia.
Let us remember that this is the same Malaysian government that signed and ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and is an ELECTED member of THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL FOR THE TERM 2022 – 2024.
This is the same Malaysian Government that supposedly grants its citizens the right to manifest their faith as enshrined in Article 18 of the UDHR. “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.**
This is the same Malaysian government that in conjuction with the Malay National Constitution, declares under Article 11, that “Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion…”
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