The world is not what it seems, and sometimes when we encounter someone, they seem nice at first but what you might not know is that they might be leading double lives!
A 74-year-old man, Syekh Yusuf Puang La’lang, was arrested in Gowa, South Sulawesi after he claimed that he was an apostle (messenger of Allah). By telling everyone he is an apostle, he managed to gain quite a following and was able to convince them that he would lead them all to heaven.
He called his cult Tarekat Tajul Khalwatiyah Tariq Sheikh Yusuf, and it is said that his cult practices extend all the way to Malaysia. He has enforced a strict law for all his followers, demanding that they pay Rp10,000 (RM3) and Rp50,000 (RM15) for their “go to heaven” cards. He said that the cards will cleanse them of all their sins and guarantee them a spot in heaven.
The elderly man also required his followers to pay zakat (alms tax), which is calculated based on their body weight in kilograms. To see how much they need to pay, they will multiply it by Rp5,000 (RM1.50).
He has also claimed that he is able to extend his followers’ lives for up to 15 years! If that’s not a warning sign, I don’t know what is.
For this, La’lang is being charged with blasphemy, fraud, deception, and money laundering in relation to his “heaven cards.” He now faces up to 20 years in prison.
The police were also able to find 138 pieces of proof against him at his home.
That is certainly some very fishy business, we hope that his followers will be able to come to their senses and just live out their lives peacefully!
Also read: M’sian Tourists Went for ‘Korean Cultural Experience’ But Almost Got Tricked Into Joining a Cult