Malaysia bans Ahmadiyya religious group

The Malaysian government recently issued a controversial religious decree condemning the teachings of Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), stating that they are deviant and incompatible with Sunni Islam. This ruling by the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) has raised concerns about religious freedom in Malaysia.

There have been reports of persecution against AROPL members in Malaysia, particularly those defending LGBTQ rights and promoting their faith. For example, a retired firefighter was arrested for speaking publicly about AROPL teachings.

The MKI’s Muzakarah Committee reviewed AROPL beliefs and practices, finding them at odds with mainstream Islamic doctrine. The decree criticized AROPL’s beliefs about the Mahdi and the mistakes of prophets, as well as their reinterpretation of religious practices like prayer and fasting.

The decree explicitly prohibits the practice and dissemination of AROPL teachings, calling on followers to repent and adhere strictly to Sunni beliefs. This raises concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in Malaysia, as AROPL sees it as a violation of their freedom of religion.

Despite Malaysia’s commitments to international human rights agreements, such as the ICCPR, this decree limits the right of citizens to manifest their faith. It goes against the principles of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as stated in the UDHR. The Malaysian Constitution also guarantees the right to profess and practice one’s religion, raising questions about the government’s commitment to these principles.



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