A Muslim council in Malaysia has issued a religious ruling or fatwa banning people from using the Internet to trade shares or makes investments, reports the AFP.

National Fatwa Council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin said non-Muslim investment schemes accessed through the Internet pay interest and guarantee a steady profit, which is banned under Islamic or sharia law.

“We advise those making investments via the Internet to stop immediately,” Abdul Shukor was quoted as saying in Malay-language daily Berita Harian.

“There are many alternative investment schemes based on Islamic principles initiated by the government which Muslims can participate in,” he said