Controversial scholar Kassim Ahmad has been detained by the authorities at his house in Kulim, Kedah today and is expected to be charged tomorrow in Putrajaya, following the controversial statements he made about hadith (sayings of the prophet) at a seminar recently.

His son Ahmad Shauqi told Malaysiakini that his father was picked up from his home at about noon by a group of religious officers.

He was brought to the Kulim district police station for documentation purposes, and later to Kuala Lumpur for questioning.

In a statement this evening, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) said Kassim was detained by a group of Kulim religious officers at 2.30pm at his residence.

The action was taken following the warrant of arrest issued by Jawi under Section 9 of the Federal Territory Syariah Offences Act 1997 for disrespecting or not complying with the religious authorities.

A Home Ministry officer has confirmed Kassim's arrest.

According to the officer, who refused to be named, about 10 enforcement officers were involved in the arrest.

Kassim had on Feb 16 created controversy following his remarks equating religious scholars as a "priest caste" in Islam, and opining that women’s hair is not aurat and thus need not be covered up.

The event was organised by the Perdana Leadership Foundation which is headed by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has defended Kassim for making such remarks.

Kassim's statement was widely criticised by political parties, non-governmental organisations and religious scholars.

His book Hadis: Satu Penilaian Semula (Hadith: A Re-evaluation) has been banned as it is considered to be anti-hadith.