Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has spoken out against the misuse of burial sites for superstitious purposes, following reports of individuals allegedly collecting soil from a young woman’s grave in hopes of receiving blessings.
In a Facebook post, Mohd Na’im issued a strong reminder to the Muslim community to uphold the sanctity of burial grounds and avoid practices that deviate from Islamic teachings.
He emphasised that grave visits should serve as a moment of spiritual reflection and a reminder of mortality and not as a means to seek supernatural benefits or public attention.
“I have followed news reports about certain individuals allegedly taking soil from the grave of Nurly Shahirah Azman in the belief that it brings blessings. Such action is deplorable and goes against the principles of Islamic faith.”
The minister warned against actions that could lead to shirk, the sin of associating partners with God and urged Muslims to avoid rituals not grounded in Islamic law.
He also addressed a specific incident involving the grave of Nurly Shahirah who died in the tragic bus crash earlier this month.
Her family, distressed by the inappropriate behavior of some visitors, had to erect a barrier around her grave at the Kampung Gong Pasir Muslim Cemetery in Kerandang, Terengganu.
“I support the firm yet respectful approach taken by Nurly Shahirah’s family in handling this issue, as well as the efforts of the religious authorities in monitoring burial grounds.”
“This is in line with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat superstitious practices and strengthen the Islamic faith among Muslims in the country,” he added.
Mohd Na’im reiterated that applying grave soil to one’s face or body in the belief that it holds special powers is a clear violation of Islamic boundaries.
He concluded by calling on the public to pray for Nurly Shahirah’s soul and for her family to be granted strength and patience during this difficult time.
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