Al-Sultan Abdullah Stresses Need For Deeper Syariah Enactment Reforms In Pahang

KUANTAN, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called for a comprehensive review and reform of the Syariah enactments in the state, urging that the process go beyond cosmetic changes to align more closely with the Maqasid Syariah principles.

In addressing the increasing challenges facing Islamic law, Al-Sultan Abdullah emphasised that the legal framework governing Islam in Pahang must be updated to reflect the five core objectives of Maqasid Syariah: safeguarding religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth.

He emphasised that any new provisions must reflect the realities of contemporary Muslim society, addressing the concerns of the community with wisdom and firmness, supported by a well-organised and comprehensive enforcement mechanism.

“I see the need for a stronger enforcement structure, with improvements in training, human resources, logistics, and technological support.

“This is to ensure that the enacted provisions are not just written on paper but are implemented fairly and professionally in accordance with the true spirit of Maqasid Syariah,” he said in a Pahang Sultanate Facebook post.

The Ruler made this statement during the opening of the 196th meeting of the Pahang Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs Council at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Islamic Complex here today.

Meanwhile, he also highlighted the critical role of fatwa (Islamic legal rulings) in guiding the community. emphasising that the fatwa institutions in Pahang must continue to be rooted in sound Islamic scholarship, authority, and ijtihad, drawing from the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma’ (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy), while keeping the welfare of the ummah at the forefront.

Al-Sultan Abdullah called for the strengthening of the State Syariah Advisory Committee to ensure that fatwas issued are respected and regarded as a credible source of guidance, not just a formality,

“I do not want any parties to undermine or question a valid fatwa simply because of a lack of clarity or firmness from the authorities,” he said.

Additionally, Al Sultan Abdullah proposed the establishment of a Mosque Financial Audit Committee under the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) to ensure the transparent, professional, and ethical management of mosque finances across the state.

He emphasised that the funds, primarily sourced from donations, must be managed with utmost integrity, reflecting the trust placed in them by the Muslim community.

His Highness also expressed his hope that the Islamic education system in Pahang, particularly the Pahang State Religious Secondary School, will continue to be strengthened, as a key foundation in shaping individuals who are knowledgeable, ethical, and dedicated to serving the religion, their country, and the community at large.

-- BERNAMA