Malaysian Muslims are flocking to experience death to strengthen their religion.
The process involves looking at graves, lying in a coffin and hearing the last rites.
But the country's religious affairs minister says the course, run by a Muslim group, is unnecessary and could result in people becoming backward.
Datuk Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin said: "They will be so preoccupied with death that they may neglect their responsibilities as Muslims. I worry that if more Muslims get into such a mindset they may become backward."
The Straits Times reports the course is held in Rawang in Selangor.
Its organisers say: "It is aimed at heightening religious consciousness to encourage Muslims to be more committed to their duties and work for the religion throughout their lives."
Participants first pay respect to replicas of two graves. Then they move to another room where they are made to lie down inside a wooden box representing a coffin.
The lights in the room are switched off and a video of the last rites being performed on the dead is shown on a small screen.
Some other visuals and sound effects are also played to enable people to experience 'the journey', said organisers. Participants are supposed to feel like they are dead and that their deeds are being accounted for.
The leader of the unnamed Muslim group, Ustaz Zainal Abidin Yusof, said the method was unorthodox but not against Islam.