SHAH ALAM, Feb 25 — The state government will introduce guidelines on the practice of tariqa (spiritual paths) this year to enable enforcement against practices that contradict Islamic beliefs, said state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and cultural innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
Speaking in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session today, he said the guidelines will align with the directive from the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who called for specific regulations or syllabus regarding the practice of tasawuf (Sufism) and tariqa in the state.
"At the Multaqa Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah: ‘Ilmu Tasawuf Merungkai Masalah Ummah’ last November, His Royal Highness emphasised the need for clear guidelines on tariqa practices," Fahmi said.
One of the resolutions from the gathering was to draft laws, gazette fatwas, and create a special syllabus or guideline to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and deviant beliefs that could harm Islam’s reputation in Selangor.
He was responding to Hulu Bernam state assemblyman Mu'izzuddeen Mahyiddin's query on the potential need for an enactment on tariqa orders, similar to the one introduced in Negeri Sembilan.
The state government, via the Selangor Mufti Department, is optimistic that the forthcoming guidelines will be as effective as Negeri Sembilan’s Tariqa Tasawuf Enactment 2005.
When asked by Sementa state assemblyman Noor Najhan Mohamad Salleh about the potential existence of deviant tariqa practices and the actions taken against those involved, Fahmi said such issues should be referred to the Mufti Department.
He added that enforcement could not begin until proper guidelines are established and that proving violations related to Islamic beliefs is a complex matter.
“My hope is that these guidelines will help the public distinguish between beneficial and harmful practices and that enforcement actions can be taken accordingly,” Fahmi said.
— Bernama
