SHAH ALAM, Aug 25 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has urged Muslims in Malaysia to be cautious of metaphysics-based motivation programmes that deviate from authentic Islamic teachings.
Jais deputy director (operations) Siti Razmah Idris said some motivation programmes have been infiltrated with elements of the new age movement through alternative healing, self-development and spiritual platforms.
She said that the true path in fulfilling spiritual needs lies in ahlus sunnah wal jamaah, guided by the Quran, sunnah and traditions of renowned scholars.
“The psycho-spiritual approach in tasawuf, such as tazkiyah al-nafs, zikir and muraqabah, provides a balanced alternative to address the emptiness of modern life. It not only safeguards faith but also nurtures the soul to return to God,” she said when officiating a discussion programme titled “Exposing the New Age Movement in Islamic Motivation” here today.
She said the movement promotes beliefs contrary to Islamic creed, including pantheism, reincarnation, religious pluralism and distortion of revelation and syariah, adding that youths and students are among its targets.
“Being active in the motivation industry, whether as organiser, speaker or participant, is not wrong as long as it does not contradict Islamic principles,” Siti Razmah added.
Three papers were presented at the programme — Characteristics of the New Age Movement and Its Infiltration into Motivation, The Dangers of the New Age Movement on Muslim Faith, and Guidelines for Identifying Genuine Islamic Motivation.
