Soul tranquility based on the Quran is not New Age

KUCHING, 7 Oct: Muslims are urged to find peace of mind and self-development based on the Quran, Sunnah and guidance from muktabar scholars rather than being influenced by the understanding or practices of the New Age Movement (NAM).

Mufti of Sarawak, Datu Khalidi Ibrahim said that Islam recognizes the need for peace and self-development, but the spiritual aspect should be based on Islamic teachings through practices such as zikir, prayer, penance, tazkiyah al-nafs, mujahada, patience, thanksgiving and trust in Allah.

According to him, the NAM is not a single religion or organization, but rather encompasses a variety of understandings and practices that combine elements from various religious traditions, philosophies, psychology, metaphysics and spirituality.

"The Muslims should beware of any misconceptions contrary to the beliefs, sharia and principles of Sunni Wal Jamaah especially regarding divinity, the occult, the universe powers, reincarnation, karma and the claim that man possesses an element or divine power in himself

"The office of the Mufti of Sarawak urges Muslims not to be easily influenced by a program based only on the terms or allegations used", he said in a statement yesterday.

Among the concepts often associated with this approach include law of attraction, manifestation, universal energy, energy frequency, third eye, higher self and spiritual awakening.

At the same time, the department also emphasized that the use of a term does not merely make a program NAM, but rather an assessment should be made based on the content, beliefs and practices carried out.

In this regard, the public is asked to research the content of the program, background of the speaker, modules and methods used before joining it.

If there is a dispute concerning any programme, teaching or practice which touches on matters of belief and sharia, the community shall refer to the authorized religious authority.