24-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) An uncommon case unfolded in court on Monday (Jun 24) as a local man without formal Islamic teaching credentials stood trial for propagating unorthodox doctrines that purportedly allowed gambling and “spiritual marriages” among Muslims.
Mohd Razif Radi, a 66-year-old Singaporean, is contesting one charge under the Administration of Muslim Law Act for disseminating teachings contrary to established Muslim law.
Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2020, Radi spread three false tenets: One permitting gambling, another validating “spiritual marriages” between men and women, and a third claiming he could summon the spirit of “Mbah,” purportedly a prophet’s descendant or the “last prophet.”
According to a mutually agreed statement of facts, Radi established a cafe called Lina’s Cafe around 2017 at 7 Jalan Pisang with a woman named Marlinah Ahmad. Previous reports suggest he operated an unregistered religious school at the premises.
Before testimony commenced, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hidayat Amir requested that three prosecution witnesses be permitted to testify in private due to the “sensitive nature” of their accounts involving “spiritual marriages” and consequent family implications. Hidayat cited concerns over potential “re-traumatisation” and “embarrassment” if the witnesses testified publicly.
Radi’s counsel, Simon Tan of Attorneys Inc, sought a similar anonymity order for defence witnesses, noting the “very sensitive” subject matter could impact their standing within the Muslim community, particularly for the women who might face “trepidation and fear” testifying openly, including before former spouses.
While approving the prosecution’s requests, the judge deferred ruling on the defence’s application, stating it could be revisited as needed during the proceedings.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) had alerted authorities about Radi in August 2021, prompting the police investigation.
If convicted of propagating Islamic teachings contrary to Muslim law, Radi faces a potential 12-month jail term, a fine up to S$2,000, or both.
The high-profile trial continues before District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan.
