Latest news with #IslamicLeadership
Arab News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
MWL chief discusses fatwa unity, youth guidance in London
RIYADH: The Islamic Center in London hosted a meeting between Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Islamic leaders from across the UK this week. The discussion focused on the need for wisdom in guiding Muslim communities, especially in the face of provocation by extremists. Speakers stressed the importance of responding with calm and restraint, following the Prophet's example of mercy and patience. Al-Issa highlighted the need for unified religious authority in issuing fatwas and public religious guidance. He announced that the MWL-affiliated Islamic Fiqh Council — a leading body in Islamic jurisprudence — would soon hold a forum at the center to discuss the jurisprudence of Muslim communities. The forum will also explore the creation of a reference framework for this jurisprudence, to be updated as needed. It will review training programs and initiatives in the UK aligned with the Charter of Makkah and propose its inclusion in Islamic education curricula. Al-Issa emphasized protecting Muslim youth from extremist ideologies, noting the family's role, the importance of balanced religious education, qualified teachers, and effective use of platforms such as sermons and lectures. He praised the British Muslim community's awareness and commitment, describing it as a positive example of Islamic values in a diverse society. The meeting included questions and feedback, with attendees expressing support for the MWL's global work. They welcomed Al-Issa's visit, especially given the current context, and appreciated his approach to addressing Islamophobia. Participants also backed the league's efforts to unify local religious authority, citing its success in other minority communities. They viewed this as a long-awaited step, and said that Al-Issa's message strengthened trust in the MWL's mission of promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, values rooted in Islamic teachings.
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Technocrats seen as mere ‘accessories' in PAS, says analyst
Ilham Centre's Hisommudin Bakar said PAS's 'DNA' will not change even if a technocrat were to helm the party, as the central leadership is still subject to the Syura Council. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : An analyst expects professionals in PAS to face a tough road to be elected to the party's top leadership, as its structure stresses the importance of clerical leadership as the foundation of its struggle. Ilham Centre executive director Hisommudin Bakar said PAS delegates have also consistently supported candidates who have higher Islamic education and are close to the party's ulama leadership. Hisommudin said the professionals and technocrats in PAS are perceived more as 'accessories' that complement the party, especially in terms of management, strategies and administration. 'They may be able to fill the posts of deputy president, vice-president or members of the central leadership, but not as the party's No 1,' he told FMT. Hisommudin said this does not mean that professionals have no place in PAS's top leadership, but that the trust in them to lead the party still comes with conditions. He said PAS's 'DNA' will not change if a technocrat were to helm the party, as the central leadership is still subject to the Syura Council, its highest decision-making body composed of religious scholars. 'The structure and policies of the party are still controlled by the dominant ulama institution. What might change is the party's approach or management style, but not its fundamental struggles,' he said. On Saturday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said professionals could lead the party as long as their decisions are guided by Islamic principles, or 'syarak'. Commenting on calls to retain ulama leadership should PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang step down at the party elections in September, Tuan Ibrahim said ulama leadership has long been a tradition in the party. Hisommudin said the clash between the ulama and technocrat factions in PAS is not a new occurrence, but has become more apparent now that certain professional leaders are growing in prominence. He said pushing technocrats to the fore is not the key to PAS winning non-Malay support, but the current political narrative. 'PAS's history shows that it has been able to obtain the support of the non-Malays despite being led by the ulama faction, for example, when it worked with PKR and DAP under the Pakatan Rakyat coalition during the 2008 and 2013 general elections,' he said. However, Akademi Nusantara's Azmi Hassan said professionals must be given more room and opportunities in the PAS leadership to reflect progressive and modern Islam. He believed that the policies and decisions made by such leaders would then attract non-Muslim voters to support the party.
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Professionals can lead PAS if they follow Islamic principles, says Tuan Ibrahim
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party has many professionals in its ranks who have memorised the Quran and are well-versed in religious matters. PETALING JAYA : Professionals can lead PAS as long as their decisions are guided by 'syarak' (Islamic principles), says deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. Commenting on calls to retain ulama leadership should party president Abdul Hadi Awang step down at the party elections in September, Tuan Ibrahim said it has long been a tradition in the party. 'It doesn't necessarily have to be a ulama. What's most important is to accept the party's principles and firmly uphold core sources like the Quran and hadith. That means anyone who can extract 'nas' (religious rulings) and exercise 'ijtihad' (independent reasoning) can be a leader. 'In politics, many new matters require 'ijtihad', so there must be expertise when it comes to party decisions. 'In PAS, no matter what, decisions must not go against 'syarak' (Islamic law), they must comply,' he told a press conference after the Kota Bharu PAS annual general meeting today. He was responding to PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, who said that if Hadi, who is the Marang MP, steps down as president, his successor should come from the ranks of the ulama. Harakah Daily reported Hashim as saying that professionals are not being rejected, but they must be able to refer to ulama leadership when navigating the political landscape. According to Tuan Ibrahim, the tradition of maintaining ulama leadership does not mean that professionals in PAS are being sidelined. 'Many of our professionals have memorised the Quran and are well-versed in religious matters, in addition to their professional fields. 'Especially now that PAS is ready to become the government, we are open (to various candidates), but they must adhere to party principles and the teachings of the Quran, hadith and scholars,' he said. Hadi had hinted that he could step down as PAS president due to health reasons, according to a recent report by Sinar Harian. It is understood that he conveyed his intention to senior party leadership during a retreat in Terengganu.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar, president Muizzu witness MoU exchange to boost Malaysia–Maldives ties
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two Exchanges of Notes (EoN), covering various sectors aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations in the spirit of mutual benefit. The ceremony, held at the Perdana Putra building here, was part of Muizzu's four-day official visit to Malaysia, which began yesterday. Among the highlights was the signing of MoUs between the Malaysian government and the Maldives in the fields of tourism, sports and health. The two EoNs exchanged between the countries covered areas of diplomatic training and the establishment of bilateral consultation mechanisms between Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives. Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh and Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel represented their respective countries in exchanging documents in the field of sport. Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad exchanged an MoU on health cooperation with Dr Abdulla Khaleel. In the field of tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan exchanged an MoU with the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Malaysia, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin also exchanged an EoN with Mariyam Shabeena. Tomorrow, Muizzu will be conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The honorary degree will be conferred by Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, as the Constitutional Head of IIUM. In conjunction with the conferment, Muizzu is scheduled to deliver a public lecture entitled 'The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Developments of Islamic Civilisation'. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3 per cent to RM862.7 million (USD189 million) from RM827.3 million (USD180.9 million) in 2023, making the archipelagic nation Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar, president Muizzu witness MoU exchange
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two Exchanges of Notes (EoN), covering various sectors aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations in the spirit of mutual benefit. The ceremony, held at the Perdana Putra building here, was part of Muizzu's four-day official visit to Malaysia, which began yesterday. Among the highlights was the signing of MoUs between the Malaysian government and the Maldives in the fields of tourism, sports and health. The two EoNs exchanged between the countries covered areas of diplomatic training and the establishment of bilateral consultation mechanisms between Malaysia and the Republic of Maldives. Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh and Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel represented their respective countries in exchanging documents in the field of sport. Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad exchanged an MoU on health cooperation with Dr Abdulla Khaleel. In the field of tourism, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan exchanged an MoU with the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Malaysia, Dr Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin also exchanged an EoN with Mariyam Shabeena. Tomorrow, Muizzu will be conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The honorary degree will be conferred by Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, as the Constitutional Head of IIUM. In conjunction with the conferment, Muizzu is scheduled to deliver a public lecture entitled 'The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Developments of Islamic Civilisation'. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3 per cent to RM862.7 million (USD189 million) from RM827.3 million (USD180.9 million) in 2023, making the archipelagic nation Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner among South Asian countries.
