Ex-massage therapist claims trial to teaching contrary to Islamic laws

He allegedly taught followers that gambling is permissible, 'spiritual marriages' are valid

- Shaffiq Alkhatib

A former massage therapist is claiming trial to one count of teaching a doctrine relating to the Muslim religion in a manner contrary to its laws.

Mohd Razif Radi, 66, who has never been an Islamic teacher under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme, allegedly taught his followers that gambling could be made permissible and that a man and a woman could be validly married through a “spiritual marriage”.

The Singaporean is also accused of claiming to be able to summon the spirit of one “Mbah”, who was purportedly Prophet Muhammad or from the Prophet’s lineage.

On June 24, a man, who cannot be named due to a gag order, told District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan that he had attended two of Razif’s lessons held at another person’s home in Teck Whye in either 2004 or 2005.

The man testified that according to Razif, gambling proceeds from 4-D and Toto could be “cleansed” and used as capital for businesses. The witness did not disclose how this alleged cleansing would be done.

Gambling is permissible, according to Razif’s alleged doctrine.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), however, states on its website that gambling is prohibited in Islam.