Teacher of 'deviant' doctrine sought 13 wives: Ex-follower

Witness says the accused, a former massage therapist, took part in a 'spiritual marriage'

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

A former massage therapist accused of teaching a doctrine contrary to Islamic laws took part in a “spiritual marriage” and needed 13 wives, one of his former followers said on June 26.

The former follower said: “He suggested that we do (spiritual marriage) and look for ladies out there to pursue his belief to get these 13 wives.”

But he could not recall the reasons behind the need to get the wives.

The man, who took the stand on the third day of Mohd Razif Radi’s trial, was the fourth witness to testify before District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan.

The witness, who cannot be named due to a gag order, said he was present when Razif took a female business owner as his “wife” in one such spiritual marriage.

In earlier proceedings, the court heard that Razif would get “possessed” by a “spirit” called Mbah.

On June 26, the witness testified that he was later told that Mbah was Prophet Muhammad.

The man added that according to Razif, Mbah was the kadi or solemniser in spiritual marriages while angels and Allah (God) were witnesses in such unions.

The witness told the court that he and his then wife attended Razif’s classes together from 2004 to 2007.

The woman continued to attend them after he stopped doing so. She later became cold towards him and wanted a divorce in 2008.