Man Tried for False Religious Teachings that Permitted Gambling and Spiritual Marriages for Muslims In a groundbreaking case that tests the boundaries of religious freedom, a man has been charged with spreading false religious teachings that deviate from traditional Islamic doctrine. The man, identified only as “AB,” was arrested after allegedly promoting gambling and “spiritual marriages” for Muslims. His teachings reportedly allowed followers to engage in activities that are strictly forbidden under Islamic law. According to prosecutors, AB claimed to have received divine revelations that sanctioned gambling and spiritual marriages, which involve intimate relationships outside of traditional legal marriages. His teachings were said to have attracted a significant following, raising concerns among religious authorities. Religious scholars and theologians have condemned AB’s teachings as a distortion of Islamic principles. Gambling is considered a major sin in Islam, as it involves wagering money on uncertain outcomes. Spiritual marriages are also considered illicit, as they contravene the traditional institution of marriage as a legally binding contract between spouses. The trial has sparked a heated debate about the limits of religious freedom. Some argue that AB’s teachings are a legitimate expression of his religious beliefs and should be protected under the law. Others maintain that his teachings are harmful and that he should be held accountable for spreading misinformation. Prosecutors have presented evidence that AB’s teachings caused financial harm to followers who lost money in gambling and emotional distress to those who participated in spiritual marriages. They argue that AB’s actions amount to fraud and religious coercion. The defense, on the other hand, has argued that AB is being persecuted for his religious beliefs and that his teachings are harmless. They emphasize that the Islamic community has the right to interpret its own religious texts and customs, even if those interpretations differ from traditional views. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for religious freedom and the authority of religious institutions in society. It will also shed light on the challenges of balancing the protection of religious beliefs with the need to safeguard the integrity of religious communities and their teachings.Trial Begins for Singaporean Man Accused of Teaching False Islamic DoctrinesTrial Begins for Singaporean Man Accused of Teaching False Islamic Doctrines A 66-year-old Singaporean man named Mohd Razif Radi is currently facing trial for allegedly teaching incorrect Islamic doctrines. The charge against him stems from teachings that allowed gambling and “spiritual marriage” for Muslims. Razif is accused of disseminating these false teachings between 2004 and 2020. Specifically, he is said to have taught that gambling is permissible, that a spiritual marriage can be a valid form of union, and that he possesses the ability to summon the spirit of “Mbah,” a supposed “last prophet” or a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Prior to the trial, the prosecution requested a gag order for three witnesses and all of the prosecution’s witnesses. This request was granted due to the sensitive nature of the testimonies, which involve issues of religion, culture, and the topic of spiritual marriages. Razif’s defense attorney also requested a gag order for defense witnesses, citing concerns about their standing in the Muslim community and the impact of public exposure on female witnesses. However, the judge denied this request, stating that the defense could make such requests at a later stage. The investigation into the case was initiated following a report filed by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). Razif faces a potential sentence of up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both, if convicted of teaching doctrines contrary to Muslim law. The trial continues before District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan.