Accused Mohd Razif Radi denies allegations of teaching un-Islamic practices, including gambling.
Singaporean Mohd Razif Radi, 67, has denied multiple allegations that he taught deviant Islamic doctrines, including making gambling permissible and claiming to have the ability to summon the spirit of “Mbah,” purportedly from Prophet Muhammad’s lineage. During the trial on November 4, 2024, Razif, a former massage therapist, responded to accusations made against him, asserting that he had never conducted religious classes or taught such beliefs.
Razif stated that he adhered strictly to Islamic values, dismissing claims that he endorsed practices such as spiritual marriages without proper solemnization or witnesses. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) explicitly prohibits gambling in Islam and condemns deviant spiritual marriages that lack Islamic formalities.
Throughout his defense, Razif emphasized his deep commitment to Islam, highlighting his personal practices of praying five times daily, fasting, and giving zakat. He also denied involvement in any “spiritual marriages,” explaining that any meetings with others were purely social and not religious teachings. He clarified that the term “Mbah,” which was associated with the spirit he supposedly invoked, simply refers to someone older in Javanese culture.
Razif also rejected allegations that he claimed gambling proceeds, such as from 4-D and Toto, could be “cleansed.” He admitted to having personally participated in these gambling activities but stated that he did not endorse such actions as being aligned with Islamic teachings.
The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected.
