KUALA LUMPUR: The disturbing actions of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) in committing sexual crimes and cruelty against children stem not from religious beliefs, but from absolute obedience to their leader, says Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
He said that while sodomy was widely recognised as a serious offence, GISB members tolerated such acts without protest, adhering strictly to their leader’s prohibitions.
“Despite revelations from former members about the abuses they suffered, when children reported these actions to their mothers, they were told, ‘Don’t report it.’ This is what happens under a system of absolute obedience to a leader,” he said on the “Keluar Sekejap” podcast uploaded last night.
Asri further said that although faith was a deeply personal belief, in the case of GISB, the group’s actions revealed a troubling fanaticism masked by a business facade.
“The GISB cult involves extreme idolisation. This fanaticism leads followers to overlook blatant wrongs, believing they are following religious commands. Such cult-like devotion can arise in any sphere, including politics,” he said.
He also highlighted some extreme practices within the group, such as the belief in the sanctity of a leader’s bodily fluids, which followers drink as “blessed water”.
“This is blatant superstition and syirik (polytheism). Such beliefs, like thinking that ‘blessed water’ brings blessings, are not just heretical but show an alarming level of gullibility,” he added.
Asri also criticised GISB for straying from true Islamic economic principles.
“Many confuse appearances with substance. GISB presents itself as a Muslim business group through outward symbols like robes, skullcaps, and Quranic verses. However, they exploit people, use child labour, and even compromise cleanliness with so-called blessed water. This is far from Islamic economics,” he added.
He said that Muslims must learn to distinguish between respect and fanaticism.
“Religion should uplift humanity, bring people closer to God, and glorify Him. But when it is used to idolise individuals and foster blind belief in illogical practices, it becomes a dangerous opiate,” he added.
-NewStraitsTime