Ayah Pin or Arifin Muhamad, who made headlines with his deviant teachings about ‘Kerajaan Langit’ died due to old age, Bernama reported.

It was reported that he died at the house of his third wife Che Jaharah Awang in Kampung Batu 13 in Hulu Besut, Terengganu, at about 8.30pm.

Che Jaharah said her husband had been taken ill after he returned to Kampung Batu 13 after fleeing in 2005.

Arifin had been on the run from authorities after his teachings were deemed as going against Islam.

The Terengganu Islamic and Malay Culture Council’s Fatwa Committee had in 1986 issued an edict that the teachings of Ayah Pin deviated from Islam.

In August 2005, the Besut Land Office demolished several structures in the area where Ayah Pin had conducted his gatherings with his followers.

Bernama also reported that Besut District police chief Supt Mohd Zamri Mohd Rowi confirmed receiving a report on Arifin’s death today.