Mosques Must Be Revitalised, Youth Should Be Involved In Administration – Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The narrative surrounding mosques must evolve with the times by providing wider space for young people to play roles in the administration and development of these institutions, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said youth involvement should not be limited to routine tasks such as folding prayer rugs or arranging tables, but expanded to more strategic roles to drive professionalism and strengthen mosque management capabilities.

“We want to see young people take on roles as the next generation of mosque administrators. Their roles must be broadened to ensure their involvement can drive professionalism and the capacity of the mosques themselves, especially in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).

“We want mosques to become community hubs that foster a sense of belonging, especially among young people. Mosque spaces should be open for youth activities, intellectual discussions, volunteerism and centres of social excellence covering the 10 lifestyles under Rakan Muda,” he said at the pre-launch of the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme here today.

Also present was Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Zulkifli said the stigma that the responsibility of enlivening mosques rests solely on the elderly or retirees must be corrected through rational approaches and sustained action.

“I call on all young people, let us not allow our fathers and mothers who are growing older to shoulder the physical burden alone in managing the house of Allah, while we, who are young and strong, merely become observers or passive congregants.

“Mosques need the energy of youth. Mosques yearn for fresh ideas. We do not want young people to come to mosques merely as guests, or only when they are older, but we want youthful energy to be harnessed now for the benefit of the faith,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Taufiq said the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan initiative is a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to strengthen a holistic youth development agenda based on Malaysia MADANI values.

He said the initiative recognises the role of houses of worship as sources of knowledge, spiritual centres and inclusive social institutions that unite and strengthen harmony.

He said the approach also supports Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to establish youth committees at the mosque level.

“Through this initiative, we are not merely collaborating in the usual way, but we have designed various programmes by integrating existing programmes at both JAKIM and KBS.

“This means JAKIM can fill the spiritual programmes of KBS and we can provide leadership programmes at the mosque level to shape higher-quality future leaders for the nation,” he said, adding that the ministry is also ready to work with other houses of worship on similar initiatives.

Meanwhile, KBS said in a statement that the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan initiative will be driven through the KBS-JAKIM Joint Committee, responsible for coordinating suitable activities and programmes to enliven mosques while nurturing balanced individuals in terms of character, spirituality, intellect and social development.

The main objectives of the initiative comprise four key thrusts: Leadership Succession, High-Impact National Assets, Holistic Well-being and Prevention of Social Ills.

According to the statement, the Rakan Muda Ramadan programme will be implemented in 15 states including the Federal Territory of Labuan and 113 districts nationwide, with a primary focus on religious and volunteer activities.

“The highlight of the initiative will be the launch of Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan in conjunction with the MADANI Iftar with the Prime Minister on Feb 22, which is expected to gather about 10,000 visitors from various segments of society, particularly youth.

“The uniqueness of this year’s Rakan Muda Ramadan celebration is that people of diverse races and backgrounds will also enliven the launch and break fast together,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA