KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Razak today questioned the motive for the arrest of former Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin by the Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jais) late last nignt, suspected of teaching religion without the authority to do so.

The prime minister said from his knowledge, there were many other individuals who gave religious talks but they were not arrested or charged (by the religious authorities).

"So, why was Dr Asri arrested? I do not know the motive. The arrest was made by the Selangor religious authorities. It had nothing to do with the federal government," he said after opening the national-level Farmers' Market Convention 2009 at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, today.

Najib was asked to comment on Asri's arrest at the bungalow of a businessman in Taman Sri Ukay, Hulu Klang while giving a religous talk attended by over 100 people.

Najib said Asri was an Islamic preacher who was forthright in his talks, which were supported by "dalil" (reasons) and nas-nas (Quranic verses or traditions of the Holy Prophet as proof or basis).

Asked on claims that Asri was arrested on the suspicion of teaching Wahhabism, Najib said he did not know about that and they (the media) should ask Jais.

It is understood that Jais had been investigating Asri's activities for some months as he was believed to be promoting Wahhabism as opposed to Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Sunni Islam) among certain groups, especially the Muslim elite and students of higher learning institutions, in the last few years in the state.

Wahhabism is a sect attributed to Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab, an 18th century scholar from Saudi Arabia who advocated to bring Islam back to its roots by removing from it what he considered innovations in the religion.

Wahhabism rejects, among others, reciting of the Qunut and Yasin, zikir (chanting) after the daily prayers, and reciting the tahlil at the grave, which are practised by Sunni Muslims.

Also arrested with Asri at the bungalow were Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita chief and Ampang member of parliament Zuraida Kamaruddin and Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said Jais must explain immediately its action as it could draw speculation and cause confusion among Muslims as the former mufti, who did not belong to any political party, had been invited to give religious talks which had also been attended by Cabinet ministers, besides having appeared on TV often for such talks.

"What more qualification does Jais expect of Dr Asri as he has a PhD in Islamic Studies, and he would not have been appointed (Perlis) Mufti if he had been a follower of the Wahhabi sect?" he said at the parliament lobby.

PAS Youth head Nasruddin Hassan said the wing regretted Asri's arrest just because he did not have the official authority to give religious talks, "but the fact is, he is widely recognised by the public, is highly qualified with a PhD and is a former mufti".

Nasruddin regarded Jais' action as an "unfortunate episode" for the development of Islam in the country, and that Pas Youth was prepared to have a dialogue with the Selangor Mufti or Jais over the matter.

Social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir when met by reporters said she observed that there were attempts by certain quarters to silence those who "speak about Islam".

She said she had also followed the religious talks by Asri, who is also a friend of hers, and regarded Jais' claim of Asri not having the credentials as baseless.

"Not qualified? If he doesn't have the credentials, would we all have listened to his talks? This is a (former) mufti lah!"

She said she did not believe that Asri was spreading Wahhabi teachings.

"People tend to repeat the labels which have simply been given to other Muslims...radical, Wahhabist, progressive, liberal (Muslim)...We should also ask who gave these labels," she said.