Former Johor mufti, Saudi minister named national, international Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Nooh Gadot, who is the Sultan of Johor's religious advisor, has been awarded the National Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah award for 2025.
The International Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah, meanwhile, has been awarded to the Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed al-Rabiah.
The awards were presented by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia during the national Ma'al Hijrah celebrations at Mitec here Friday (June 27).
Nooh, who was the eleventh Johor mufti until 2008, was born on Nov 7, 1946 in Segamat, Johor. He received his early education at Sekolah Melayu Kampung Pagoh, Segamat, Johor.
On May 2, 1996, he became the chief assistant director of the Syariah Law Administration Department (Chief Kadi), Grade S2, a post he held until June 1, 1998. He was then appointed the deputy mufti of Johor on July 9, 1998.
The following year, he was officially appointed as the mufti of Johor, a position he held from 1999 untll 2008.
Meanwhile, Saudi Minister Dr Tawfig, 60, who is a King Saud University and Pittsburgh University graduate, has been in the post since 2021.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
King: Don't exploit Islam for personal, political gain
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded community leaders not to exploit Islam for personal or political interests. 'This means that government administration must follow the principles of Islamic law (syariah), and not be driven by secular or liberal ideologies. 'Islam is a complete and perfect religion that encompasses all aspects of life. Thus, no one should exploit religion for political party interests or spread slander and hatred that could divide society.' He was speaking at this year's national-level Ma'al Hijrah celebration, themed Membangun Ummah Madani, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. 'I have always emphasised that Islamic preaching platforms and religious teaching arenas should never be used to advance political agendas. 'Let us protect the sanctity of Islam and build a harmonious unity of the ummah, for Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace.' He said Prophet Muhammad had never used Islam for personal benefit or to oppress anyone. 'We must also make Islam a true way of life through the practice of good manners and noble character, not merely through outward appearances or attire that looks Islamic on the surface. 'I also urge members of the administration and national leadership to emulate the traits of Prophet Muhammad, who was wise, just and never oppressed the weak.' Sultan Ibrahim pointed out that Prophet Muhammad had provided a true model of Islamic governance, citing the example of the Prophet's Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, where he successfully united the city's diverse communities consisting of various tribes and religions. 'Therefore, I call upon all Muslims to understand our responsibility to build a civilisation based on Islamic values and not focus on physical development alone. 'The Hijrah also witnessed how unity among various tribes and religious groups was achieved through a written agreement known as the Constitution of Medina.' He said Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious society has also achieved unity through the Federal Constitution, which outlines shared values such as justice, authority, responsibility and consensus. 'Therefore, all parties must respect the Constitution and avoid inciting hostility in the name of race or religion that could threaten national peace.' This year's International Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award was presented to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah. Datuk Nooh Gadot, the religious adviser to Sultan Iskandar and former Johor mufti, was named the recipient of the 2025 National Ma'al Hijrah Personality Award. Over 8,000 people attended the celebration.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Steps taken to stem bogus haj operators
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia urges tougher action on fake haj, umrah packages
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'
