CONTROVERSIAL religious teacher Shahul Hamid Seeni Muhammad has denied using the word “haram” (forbidden by Islamic law) in reference to Muslims patronising hair salons run by non-Muslims, but defended his stand that Muslims ought to find shops operated by other Muslims.

The Penang-based preacher, who is also the headmaster of Maahad Tahfiz Darul Tahzhib, recently received flak for a video uploaded two years ago where he was seen advising Muslims not to patronise hair salons run by non-Muslims.

“If you watch the video carefully, I only said that while there is no dalil (Quranic and Hadith texts) that prohi­bits a man to hold the hair of another man, it is better to find a shop operated by Muslims to help them in the economy,” he was quoted as saying by The Star. 

“From the time I started studying in a pondok school to Form 1 and up until now, I have not allowed any non-believer to touch my head. It is better for us to go to Muslim shops because at least this way, we can help Muslim businesses,” Shahul said.

In the video clip, which has been viewed more than 9,000 times, Shahul said it was prohibited for Muslim women to go to a non-Muslim salon, as a woman’s hair was considered “aurat” and should not be exposed to non-Muslims, even if they are women.

In another video clip some three years ago, Shahul urged Muslims not to buy curry powder products from “Hindu” companies like Baba’s and Alagappa’s. 

He has poked fun at a dishti bomma, a square metal plate with the face of a “fearsome demon” on it, at the entrance of the Alagappa’s flour mill near Permatang Pauh.

He also said it was haram to send Muslim children to Chinese schools, unless there were no other options.

State Islamic Religious Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said Shahul’s statements were absurd, nonsensical and uncalled for. 

“It’s in very bad taste, especially coming from a learned person like him. The state government will not tolerate this kind of nonsense and will act accordingly to enhance and inculcate the wisdom and true teaching of Islam that promotes love, respect and harmony,” he was quoted as saying in The Star. 

Penang Mufti Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also reminded ustaz and Islamic preachers in the state to choose carefully the terms they used, saying words like “orang kafir” should be avoided. 

“This is to avoid people from ha­­ving a bad impression of Islam or makes it hard for them to accept Islamic teaching,” he said. – October 19, 2017.