Malaysian jihadists, PAS MP hail Kedahan who died for rebels in Syria as ‘martyr’

(Malay Mail Online) – Malaysian militants fighting for the creation of an Islamic state in war-torn Syria have lauded the death of Kedah-born Mohd Lotfi Ariffin, whom they dubbed a “martyr” for his efforts in the jihad.

Mohd Lotfi, a former a member of Kedah PAS, died yesterday evening after falling into a coma following an ambush on rebel militants last week, according to Facebook posts from other Malaysian jihadists.

He was sacked from the Islamist party earlier this year for his militant involvement.

“Praise be to Allah, the latest news that Lotfi Ariffin aka Abu Musab, has succeeded in his martyrdom fighting for Allah’s religion. He died a martyr during maghrib yesterday,” fellow jihadist Akel Zainal said in a Facebook post, referring to the Muslim prayer time during sunset.

Akel had gained some fame in the 1990s as a drummer in local rock band, Ukays.

PAS MP for Pasir Mas Nik Abduh Nik Abd Aziz (pic) took to Twitter and Facebook earlier today to share a quote attributed to Lotfi, calling it “a good advice”.

Photos of Lotfi’s burial have since been shared by his supporters on social media and blogs, including one which claimed to be the official page of PAS’ charity corps Jabatan Amal. Some congratulated him on his “successful transaction”.

“Transaction” is an euphemism that refers to a verse in Quran detailing a “contract”, where Muslims are offered a place in Paradise in return for fighting and dying in the cause of Allah.

“Hope Allah accepts your transaction my teacher. Be happy enjoying the blessings of Allah which is desired by every creature. Among the best moments in my life was knowing you, learning from, and fighting alongside you,” said Akel.

“His passing is felt by us here. With him we learn and refer to for religious problems,” said another fighter known by the nom de guerre “Abu Talhah”.

“Abu Talhah” also described Lotfi as a seasoned jihadist who have allegedly fought among others in Tajikistan and Moluccas Islands.

Lotfi was reportedly critically injured and had fell into coma after his group of fighters were caught in an attack by a fighter jet allegedly from the army of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

In the same attack, another Muslim fighter from Kulim, Kedah known as “Abu Muhajir” whose real name is believed to be Mohamad Fadlan Shah, 21, was also allegedly killed.

Last month, a 52-year-old jihadist fighter, known as Mat Soh or by his nom de guerre “Abu Turab”, allegedly died from shelling in strife-torn Syria while defending the town of Arzeh with several other jihadist fighters.

According to Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin, assistant director-general of the Malaysian police counter-terrorism division, Mat Soh is believed to be Zainan Harith, who was detained for a robbery in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya in June 15, 2001.

Malaysian factory worker Ahmad Tarmimi Maliki, suspected of being a member of militant group Islamic State (IS), was believed to have been the suicide bomber who killed 25 members of an Iraqi police team in May.

Malaysian police intelligence warned last month that citizens who joined IS to launch strikes in Iraq and Syria, are now training their sights on their home government and several other targets in the country.

The police said 19 suspected local militants have been arrested between April and June this year while they were on their way to Turkey and Syria for training and support from IS under the guise of “humanitarian work”.

The group was planning to establish a hardline Southeast Asian Islamic caliphate which would include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore.

Putrajaya has designated the IS, formerly known as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as a terrorist group.