Kuala Lumpur - The year 2008 saw Muslims celebrating the 1st of Muharram twice, for the years Hijrah 1429 and 1430.
The Maal Hijrah celebrations early this year and next week have the same theme -- "Menjana Ummah Gemilang (Generating Outstanding Muslims)".
"This theme is relevant to be used again as Muslims should aim to achieve excellence at all times and we should emulate the Quran`s character, we should prove that we are the best of the ummah (worshippers)", said Islamic Advancement department (Jakim) Director-General, Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz on the rationale of retaining the theme of Maal Hijrah 1429 for the Maal Hijrah 1430 celebration.
In a special interview with Bernama, held in conjunction with 1430 Maal Hijrah, Wan Mohamad said, he would delve into the celebration`s programmes, related issues and challenges faced by Muslims in Malaysia towards achieving excellence.
DISTINCTION INDICATOR
"I position the indicator for Muslims` brilliance in the Malaysian context based on our achievement and command in the critical sectors like education", he said during the interview.
He said, Malaysia has proven that the country provides equal opportunities for all in the education sector regardless of gender and socio-economic class.
According to Wan Mohamad, in some other countries it might be difficult to find women professionals and the education sector is monopolized by the middle class society who have the opportunity for higher education.
However in Malaysia, quoting 2007 figures from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministrty, the number of dentists is 41.8 percent men and 58.2 percent women while the ratio for lawyers is 54.1:45.9 and for accountants 55.1:44.9 respectively.
As for children of rural folks, they have the opportunity to further their education to the tertiary level and Malaysia has become the destination of foreign students to pursue further studies and this is indicated by the marked rise of the number of foreigners studying at local institutions of higher learning.
However Wan Mohamad remarked that according to race-based indicators, Muslims in the country are still lagging behind in several education fields and others are still monopolizing the economy.
EDUCATION REFLECTS IMAGE
"This excellence is meaningless if we do not acquire an encouraging social index, (or) we are still plagued by the never-ending social issues that dominated the Muslim world like drug addiction as well as the threat from HIV/AIDS", he said.
He said, the mainstay of excellence is reflected by the steadfast social and moral indicator and Muslims aspire to be outstanding, they should prove it in the education and economic fields.
In Wan Mohamad`s opinion, the social changes would start with the education system as education discerns the nation`s image and that of the future generations.
His preferred example is South Korea that became a world automobile power on par with Japan in a short time frame and in the shipping industry, the country became a leader only after 15 years.
He attributed South Korea`s success to 45 percent of students in South Korea`s tertiary-level institutions are in the various fields of engineering.
"The figures were from the country`s economic records two years back and now they could be many more. It all begins with the education system".
Wan Mohamad said this is where education counts and this factor decides the `material` of the Muslim generation desired.
Hence, the education system should move towards this direction.
He said, Malaysia should have more universities like the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and many science religious schools.
"We at Jakim have initiated efforts like introducing Tahfiz Al-Quran Jakim-IIUM certificate capable of producing science-based Quranic reciters", he said.
Students in this course attend one and half years Quranic studies before proceeding to various professional courses at the IIUM.
So far the enrolment of 150 for each admission is not enough, as Malaysia needs more IIUs and religious colleges, he said.
Wan Mohamad cited the case of one his understudy that he identified as Hafiz from IIUM who is now the syariah consultant at an international bank.
Hafiz is fluent in Arabic due to his Quranic knowledge. He mastered English and was trained in his specialized in IIUM.
This is the type of the new generation Muslims that Malaysia would like to produce more, he said.
"I was captivated by the education system at the Al-Azhar (Egypt) that many had looked down as not many had analysed its success", he said.
According to Wan Mohamad, Al-Azhar had initiated an education system that began right from the creche and kindergarten level, primary and secondary schools before `culminating` in the Al-Azhar University.
This is not only for usulludin and syariah but also in other fields of education and Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Steven had initiated a similar style by setting up creches, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges, he said.
EMULATE SUCCESS
Wan Mohamad admitted that Malaysians had wanted to witness the success of this system before emulating it but this would take time and the nation could not afford to wait.
He cited the case of Muhammad Ahmad Zahid, 13, who managed to recite the Quran at the age of 10, became the winner of a Quranic reciters competition in 2007 and had achieved honours right up to Vienna, Austria and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
"But he (Muhammad) studies outside the system (formal education) and we want this to happen in the (education) system) itself", he said.
Muhammad was not enrolled in government school but he was a student at several private religious institutions like the Institut Al-Quran Kuala Lumpur in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Muassasah Darul Furqan in Bangsar, Maahad Tahfiz Al-Azhariyyah in Shah Alam and Darul Hikmah, Ampang.
The Jakim Director-General pointed out the Maahad Tahfiz in Pulai Condong, Kelantan operated by the Kelantan Islamic Foundation.
This institution requires its `hafaz Quran` students to be in the remove class for one year before being allowed to attend education right up to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level and further studies.
"This is the evidence that we want to show and experts in the Education Ministry in policy-making should view this closely. They should not allow dakwah bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) run their own system.
"We should be embarrassed if the model developed by the NGOs is a proven success. This should be studied closely and should be adapted with some modifications.
"The Education Ministry has been successful in setting up the Islamic religious school and we should go further than that", said Wan Mohamad.
CRITICISMS, VIEWS
What are the views of the NGOs and Islamic religious bodies that are more prone to criticize whatever done by Muslims themselves?
Wan Mohamad replied: "There are many intellectuals and they are free to give their views but among them it is difficult to find people who are intelligent.
"(For) those who are intelligent, they should contribute either (through) themselves or making constructive criticisms as they are capable of giving better solutions or alternatives".
He gave the pre-marital course that had been labeled as ineffective to reduce the number of divorce cases but now even the non-Muslim leaders are talking about the need to have such courses.
In 2001, when Jakim proposed the HIV test on couples planning to be married, the department drew flak from the public but now there are suggestions from the non-Muslims for such a test to be held on soon to be married couples.
"Hence, who are backwards in their thinking and who got embarrassed? This is among the examples. To me, we should avoid from ridiculing others and should focus on what is the best for Muslims".
He said, at the same time, those with responsibilities should be unwavering in terms of emotions, not to lose focus and not easily swayed by criticisms either being supported, loved or hated.
"This was the path of the Rasulullah S.A.W (Prophet) as he was unfazed by condemnation and was not easily swayed by praises", said Wan Mohamad.
When these criticisms were highlighted in the media and appeared as they were accepted by the society, would it not be appropriate for Jakim to defend itself?
"Sometimes, we do not need to defend ourselves at all. First, we should not place ourselves as the guilty party and second, we should take a look at the credibility of those who have spoken.
"If I meet a street medicine seller to get advice instead of a doctor maybe only a general practitioner, definitely I would give respect to the doctor`s words as that is his field".
As an example, if the party that gave the comments is a reputable religious agency like Jakim, then the public would have to be more `opened` as the words have standing.
ISLAMIC GLORY
Wan Mohamad also said Muslims in Malaysia are responsible to evaluate and admit that the non-Muslims who are all this while their neighbours, have not come to grasp to fully understand Islam.
"Because the dakwah responsibility is left only to the religious group instead every Muslims are responsible to enrich their Muslim friends knowledge on Islam.
"The non-Muslim Malaysians should view Islam not only from the Malaysian context as Islam was not born in Malaysia and none of the prophets were Malays and Islam is not owned by the Malaysian Malays or the Southeast Asia Malay archipelago", he said.
Wan Mohamad said, the number of Muslims, if those on the mainland China are added together with Muslims in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent, the number would far exceed the number of Arab Muslims and now the second most number of non-Christians in Europe are Muslims.
Hence, the phrase `Islam is for all races worldwide` is apt, said Wan Mohamad.
MAAL HIJRAH CELEBRATION
On the 1430 Maal Hijrah celebration, Wan Mohamad said, the existing tradition would be continued like, among the events are, the pre-Maal Hijrah forum at the National Mosque, gathering at the mosque to welcome the first night of the Islamic New Year and the gathering at International Convention Centre in Putrajaya.
The `twice-in-a-year` celebration may have some changes to the 1430 Maal Hijrah Tokoh (Personality) Award in that the award would be given to local and foreign personalities.
That would be known at the awards function on the 1430 Maal Hijrah Day. By Rohana Mustaffa
Source: http://www.bernama.com.my (December 26, 2008)
The Maal Hijrah celebrations early this year and next week have the same theme -- "Menjana Ummah Gemilang (Generating Outstanding Muslims)".
"This theme is relevant to be used again as Muslims should aim to achieve excellence at all times and we should emulate the Quran`s character, we should prove that we are the best of the ummah (worshippers)", said Islamic Advancement department (Jakim) Director-General, Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz on the rationale of retaining the theme of Maal Hijrah 1429 for the Maal Hijrah 1430 celebration.
In a special interview with Bernama, held in conjunction with 1430 Maal Hijrah, Wan Mohamad said, he would delve into the celebration`s programmes, related issues and challenges faced by Muslims in Malaysia towards achieving excellence.
DISTINCTION INDICATOR
"I position the indicator for Muslims` brilliance in the Malaysian context based on our achievement and command in the critical sectors like education", he said during the interview.
He said, Malaysia has proven that the country provides equal opportunities for all in the education sector regardless of gender and socio-economic class.
According to Wan Mohamad, in some other countries it might be difficult to find women professionals and the education sector is monopolized by the middle class society who have the opportunity for higher education.
However in Malaysia, quoting 2007 figures from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministrty, the number of dentists is 41.8 percent men and 58.2 percent women while the ratio for lawyers is 54.1:45.9 and for accountants 55.1:44.9 respectively.
As for children of rural folks, they have the opportunity to further their education to the tertiary level and Malaysia has become the destination of foreign students to pursue further studies and this is indicated by the marked rise of the number of foreigners studying at local institutions of higher learning.
However Wan Mohamad remarked that according to race-based indicators, Muslims in the country are still lagging behind in several education fields and others are still monopolizing the economy.
EDUCATION REFLECTS IMAGE
"This excellence is meaningless if we do not acquire an encouraging social index, (or) we are still plagued by the never-ending social issues that dominated the Muslim world like drug addiction as well as the threat from HIV/AIDS", he said.
He said, the mainstay of excellence is reflected by the steadfast social and moral indicator and Muslims aspire to be outstanding, they should prove it in the education and economic fields.
In Wan Mohamad`s opinion, the social changes would start with the education system as education discerns the nation`s image and that of the future generations.
His preferred example is South Korea that became a world automobile power on par with Japan in a short time frame and in the shipping industry, the country became a leader only after 15 years.
He attributed South Korea`s success to 45 percent of students in South Korea`s tertiary-level institutions are in the various fields of engineering.
"The figures were from the country`s economic records two years back and now they could be many more. It all begins with the education system".
Wan Mohamad said this is where education counts and this factor decides the `material` of the Muslim generation desired.
Hence, the education system should move towards this direction.
He said, Malaysia should have more universities like the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and many science religious schools.
"We at Jakim have initiated efforts like introducing Tahfiz Al-Quran Jakim-IIUM certificate capable of producing science-based Quranic reciters", he said.
Students in this course attend one and half years Quranic studies before proceeding to various professional courses at the IIUM.
So far the enrolment of 150 for each admission is not enough, as Malaysia needs more IIUs and religious colleges, he said.
Wan Mohamad cited the case of one his understudy that he identified as Hafiz from IIUM who is now the syariah consultant at an international bank.
Hafiz is fluent in Arabic due to his Quranic knowledge. He mastered English and was trained in his specialized in IIUM.
This is the type of the new generation Muslims that Malaysia would like to produce more, he said.
"I was captivated by the education system at the Al-Azhar (Egypt) that many had looked down as not many had analysed its success", he said.
According to Wan Mohamad, Al-Azhar had initiated an education system that began right from the creche and kindergarten level, primary and secondary schools before `culminating` in the Al-Azhar University.
This is not only for usulludin and syariah but also in other fields of education and Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Steven had initiated a similar style by setting up creches, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges, he said.
EMULATE SUCCESS
Wan Mohamad admitted that Malaysians had wanted to witness the success of this system before emulating it but this would take time and the nation could not afford to wait.
He cited the case of Muhammad Ahmad Zahid, 13, who managed to recite the Quran at the age of 10, became the winner of a Quranic reciters competition in 2007 and had achieved honours right up to Vienna, Austria and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
"But he (Muhammad) studies outside the system (formal education) and we want this to happen in the (education) system) itself", he said.
Muhammad was not enrolled in government school but he was a student at several private religious institutions like the Institut Al-Quran Kuala Lumpur in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Muassasah Darul Furqan in Bangsar, Maahad Tahfiz Al-Azhariyyah in Shah Alam and Darul Hikmah, Ampang.
The Jakim Director-General pointed out the Maahad Tahfiz in Pulai Condong, Kelantan operated by the Kelantan Islamic Foundation.
This institution requires its `hafaz Quran` students to be in the remove class for one year before being allowed to attend education right up to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level and further studies.
"This is the evidence that we want to show and experts in the Education Ministry in policy-making should view this closely. They should not allow dakwah bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) run their own system.
"We should be embarrassed if the model developed by the NGOs is a proven success. This should be studied closely and should be adapted with some modifications.
"The Education Ministry has been successful in setting up the Islamic religious school and we should go further than that", said Wan Mohamad.
CRITICISMS, VIEWS
What are the views of the NGOs and Islamic religious bodies that are more prone to criticize whatever done by Muslims themselves?
Wan Mohamad replied: "There are many intellectuals and they are free to give their views but among them it is difficult to find people who are intelligent.
"(For) those who are intelligent, they should contribute either (through) themselves or making constructive criticisms as they are capable of giving better solutions or alternatives".
He gave the pre-marital course that had been labeled as ineffective to reduce the number of divorce cases but now even the non-Muslim leaders are talking about the need to have such courses.
In 2001, when Jakim proposed the HIV test on couples planning to be married, the department drew flak from the public but now there are suggestions from the non-Muslims for such a test to be held on soon to be married couples.
"Hence, who are backwards in their thinking and who got embarrassed? This is among the examples. To me, we should avoid from ridiculing others and should focus on what is the best for Muslims".
He said, at the same time, those with responsibilities should be unwavering in terms of emotions, not to lose focus and not easily swayed by criticisms either being supported, loved or hated.
"This was the path of the Rasulullah S.A.W (Prophet) as he was unfazed by condemnation and was not easily swayed by praises", said Wan Mohamad.
When these criticisms were highlighted in the media and appeared as they were accepted by the society, would it not be appropriate for Jakim to defend itself?
"Sometimes, we do not need to defend ourselves at all. First, we should not place ourselves as the guilty party and second, we should take a look at the credibility of those who have spoken.
"If I meet a street medicine seller to get advice instead of a doctor maybe only a general practitioner, definitely I would give respect to the doctor`s words as that is his field".
As an example, if the party that gave the comments is a reputable religious agency like Jakim, then the public would have to be more `opened` as the words have standing.
ISLAMIC GLORY
Wan Mohamad also said Muslims in Malaysia are responsible to evaluate and admit that the non-Muslims who are all this while their neighbours, have not come to grasp to fully understand Islam.
"Because the dakwah responsibility is left only to the religious group instead every Muslims are responsible to enrich their Muslim friends knowledge on Islam.
"The non-Muslim Malaysians should view Islam not only from the Malaysian context as Islam was not born in Malaysia and none of the prophets were Malays and Islam is not owned by the Malaysian Malays or the Southeast Asia Malay archipelago", he said.
Wan Mohamad said, the number of Muslims, if those on the mainland China are added together with Muslims in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent, the number would far exceed the number of Arab Muslims and now the second most number of non-Christians in Europe are Muslims.
Hence, the phrase `Islam is for all races worldwide` is apt, said Wan Mohamad.
MAAL HIJRAH CELEBRATION
On the 1430 Maal Hijrah celebration, Wan Mohamad said, the existing tradition would be continued like, among the events are, the pre-Maal Hijrah forum at the National Mosque, gathering at the mosque to welcome the first night of the Islamic New Year and the gathering at International Convention Centre in Putrajaya.
The `twice-in-a-year` celebration may have some changes to the 1430 Maal Hijrah Tokoh (Personality) Award in that the award would be given to local and foreign personalities.
That would be known at the awards function on the 1430 Maal Hijrah Day. By Rohana Mustaffa
Source: http://www.bernama.com.my (December 26, 2008)
