Religious Programs For Muslims Must Be Based On 'Adap' And 'Syarak' Guidelines - Mohd Na'im

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Every religious and spiritual event organised for Muslims, especially selawat (praises upon Prophet Muhammad) and dakwah (Islamic propagation), must always be based on adab (Islamic etiquette) and syarak (Islamic guidelines).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, said that such programs need to adopt an approach that aligns with maqasid (objectives of Islamic law), uphold the sanctity of the event, and does not invite confusion or detrimental polemics.

He said that in engaging with the community and upholding Islamic symbols, a wise approach consistent with syarak guidelines is crucial.

“For instance, the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), through TV AlHijrah, organised the 'Hijrah Berselawat' program, which took place in Beserah, Kuantan, featuring an orderly, heartfelt, and deeply spiritual arrangement of selawat, accompanied by tausiyah (religious advice) and prayers that instilled the spirit of love for Prophet Muhammad SAW with full reverence and tranquility.

“This is the type of selawat event organisation that should be used as a reference and example. Let us learn from this incident to improve ourselves and strengthen the culture of dakwah based on knowledge, good character, and compassion,” he said in a statement tonight.

The statement was a response to a recently viral recording of a selawat event in Kedah where popular music elements were deemed inappropriate to be included in the program.

Commenting further, Mohd Na’im said the issue drew various reactions from the public, especially Muslims who highly revere the sanctity of selawat gatherings as a manifestation of love for the Great Prophet Muhammad SAW.

“In this regard, I welcome and appreciate the action of Ustaz Firdaus Firabib (the preacher involved in the program) for openly apologising with full remorse and responsibility.

“He not only admitted the mistake but also promised not to repeat actions that could tarnish the dignity of religious ceremonies. This attitude reflects an open mind, humility, and adherence to the principles of repentance and islah (reformation) demanded by Islam,” he said.

In another development, Mohd Na’im praised the brave and responsible action of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for openly apologising regarding his recent statement.

He said that although the statement was made casually, the Deputy Prime Minister's concern for Muslim sensitivities and willingness to apologise demonstrated an example of prudent and magnanimous leadership.

Last Tuesday, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi openly apologised for his ‘slip of the tongue’ after associating angels in the context of the pressure he faced while holding the trust as UMNO President during the inauguration of an UMNO meeting in Johor.

-- BERNAMA