Aliff Daniel, Mother And Sister Declare Repentance After Hindu Ritual Controversy

Aliff Daniel Adli publicly declared his repentance alongside his mother and younger sister at a ceremony organised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in Shah Alam on 5 November.

The three recited the syahadah, or Islamic declaration of faith, during the Majlis Pengisytiharan Taubat (Istitabah)

His mother, Rohizayanti Ramli, acknowledged shortcomings in guiding him religiously, while his sister, actress Nur Ranea Ezreen Adli, expressed regret over not providing sufficient advice and support.

Both pledged to strengthen their religious understanding and help him move forward.

The controversy centred on photographs and videos showing Aliff participating in Hindu rituals at Batu Caves during Thaipusam in January 2024. During his declaration, he admitted carrying a kavadi and a milk offering, and piercing his cheeks and tongue.

He said he had participated to fulfil vows concerning his mother's recovery, his family's happiness and spiritual purification. He also acknowledged using non-Islamic mantras in spiritual healing practices.

The circulation of the footage prompted a JAIS investigation. Aliff and his mother were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on 13 October with assistance from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), following warrants issued by the Shah Alam Lower Syariah Court.

Authorities investigated suspected worship contrary to Islamic law and conduct allegedly bringing Islam into contempt.

On 4 November, the Gombak Barat Lower Syariah Court ordered Aliff, 21, to undergo three months of religious rehabilitation at Baitul Iman in Hulu Yam after he pleaded guilty to wrongful worship.

The charge concerned his participation in rituals at a Batu Caves temple on 24 January 2024, including kneeling before a religious statue.

Rehabilitation was ordered in place of a fine or imprisonment.

In his mitigation plea, Aliff said the circulating images were old and that he had already stopped the practices and repented.

He also asked for leniency because he was caring for his mother following surgery. At the ceremony the following day, he pledged to deepen his understanding of Islam and never repeat the acts.