Jais to question Shia Muslims nabbed in Muharram ceremony

A group of 16 Shia Muslims who were arrested two days ago for participating in an Ashura mourning ceremony will face the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) tomorrow, the Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA) reported. The arrest came despite permits having been obtained to organise the ceremony, usually held by Shia Muslims to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Jais had warned of stern action on Shia followers in the state, saying they have deviated from the "true Islamic faith", Bernama reported yesterday. The Shia school of thought is considered deviant by Malaysian religious authorities, which only recognise Sunni Islam. The Selangor fatwa committee had decreed that Shia teachings deviated from the teachings of Islam. "Any individual found to be practising Shia ideology will face stern action for committing an offence under the Selangor state law and upon conviction, may be fined or jailed," said Jais director Datuk Haris Kasim. He said Jais would continue to monitor activities of Shia Muslims through a joint operation in collaboration with the Home Ministry and the police, particularly on Karbala Day, an event celebrated by Shia followers during the Islamic calendar month of Muharram. – October 25, 2015.]]>