Woman says accused asked if she wanted to be showered by him

A woman, who attended four classes by a man accused of teaching a doctrine contrary to Islamic laws, told the court that he had asked her if she wanted to be showered by him during one such session.

On June 27, the woman testified that she had declined the offer. She added that former massage therapist Mohd Razif Radi also asked if he could watch her perform ablution – something a Muslim must do before praying.

The woman, who cannot be named due to a gag order, told District Judge Shaiffudin Saruwan that the ritual involves using water to clean certain body parts, such as the forehead and ears.

She said she did not agree to Razif’s request as she would have had to loosen her headscarf to perform the ritual. The woman told the court that doing so in front of him was not permissible in Islam, and added: “(After that) he didn’t show happiness. He said he could take me to Changi to show me that he could bring down the moon... to show that he had extra... power.

“What came to mind was (magician) David Copperfield doing tricks.”

The woman refused to follow Razif to Changi, and did not return for a fifth session.

Razif, 66, is claiming trial to a charge under the Administration of Muslim Law Act.