Shariah (Islamic Law) Compliancy

The following key points need to be adhered to if classes taught can be deemed compliant (Harus) with Islamic or Shariah legal parameters. This is optional in non-Muslim majority classes, but can be mandatory (Wajib) for Muslim predominant classes. We are honoured to be the first organization in the world to be officially certified as Shariah compliant vis a vis our training activities.

1. There can be absolutely NO spiritual chanting (jampi) of any kind before, during or after class, including burning of incense (kemian) or any such activity.

2. There should be a (very) brief prayer (doa) both before and after class recited (by Muslims only) for the safety and success of the class. Participants can perform this standing facing the front of the class or in the direction of the qiblat.

3. Where possible, allowance must be given for those who wish to observe the times of prayer (solat) should the call to prayer (azan) occur during the class times.

4. Where possible, there should be an effort to provide the following: a clean area for ablution (wudud); a designated area for prayer (with qiblat shown) and a clean prayer mat (sajada).

5. Both males and females must cover their prohibited areas (aurat) or at a very minimum observe a fair sense of decency regarding clothing while maintaining safety at all times e.g. do not use sharp items to keep a hijab in place nor use excessive coverings that will hamper vision or impede movement safety.

6. Please ensure that participants do NOT change their clothes in public in the training center. Encourage the use of the toilets or set aside a designated changing room.

7. Where required, classes need to be separated by sexes, i.e. males to line up by rank in the front and females by rank at the rear.

8. Unless required by necessity (e.g. practical self defence grabs, etc.) there should be absolutely NO physical contact between males and females during class (except between married couples, family members or children or in an emergency situation e.g. first aid needed).

9. There must be absolutely NO discrimination in class against a person's religion, sect, colour, race, etc. All are to be treated equally fairly.

10. Do not tolerate the use of any prohibited items (haram) or behaviour by the members, especially in the training center, e.g. bringing in pork or dangerous drugs or narcotics; gambling or any sort; intoxicating drinks; cursing, etc.

11. With regards to bowing, this can be permitted in principle IF both parties do this mutually only as a sign of simple respect (NOT worship):

• For the Standing bow, both parties (Senior and Junior or Instructor and Student) MUST bow mutually to each other; eyes focus on the knees of the mirror partner (NOT the feet and certainly NOT the floor);
• For the formal Kneeing bow, this can also be accepted IF both parties bow to each other mutually AND the forehead must NEVER touch the floor. Acceptable alternatives are for the forehead to either stop just above the floor or (safer choice) to place both hands as a triangle base for the forehead to rest on during the bow.