SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Syariah Lower Court has slapped five men with a fine of RM1,000 each for engaging in bid’ah (religious innovation) and ‘furu’ related practices by performing ‘zikir’ (chanting/praising God) at a cemetery in December last year.
Lower Syariah Court Judge Khalid Suahid meted out the sentence after all the male defendants, aged between 35 and 45, pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read out in court here on Wednesday.
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The offence was committed under Section 102 read together with Section 65(1) of the Sabah Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 1995, which provides for action against practices deemed as ‘bid’ah; and related ‘furu’ matters.
Upon conviction, the offence carries a fine of up to RM1,000 or a jail term of two months in default of payment.
All the accused paid the fine and pledged not to repeat the offence.
Mohd Nadzrie Ag Jaynudin from the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) appeared for the prosecution.
In December last year, a video showing a group of individuals performing ‘zikir’ at midnight at a cemetery near here that went viral, sparking public concern.
Following the report, an investigation was carried out by the Jheains Religious Enforcement Unit, led by Sandakan Jheains Administrative Officer Rahmin Arman and Religious Enforcement Officer (Operations) Sabli Ali.
