Harussani Zakaria: Country loses another precious gem

IPOH, May 30  -- The country has lost another precious gem with the passing of Perak Mufti Tan Sri Dr Harussani Zakaria who breathed his last today.

From an ordinary kadi and part-time lecturer to being a mufti, Harussani had an impeccable career, holding various positions at the state, national and international levels.

Born on April 8, 1939, in Parit Tok Ngah, Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar, and received education from various institutions including the High Certificate of Malaya Islamic College, Anglo Chinese School and Kolej Islam Malaya Klang.

Mastery in the fields of religion, syariah, law, Islamic Education enabled him to hold various responsibilities, including as:

1. Chairman of the Perak State Syariah Committee
2. Member of Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council
3. Member of the Perak Syariah Law Enactment Committee
4. Member of the Islamic Education Strategic Plan Formulation Committee
5. Member of the Board of Directors of the Al-Quran Text Board (KKDN-Deputy Chairman)
6. Member of the National Fatwa Council of Malaysia
7. Chairman of the Syariah Supervisory Council of SME Bank Berhad
8. Member of the Maybank Group Advisory Council
9. Member of the Syariah Advisory Panel of Permodalan Nasional Bhd
10. Council Member of Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM)

He also participated in the following events at the international level:

1.  Introductory Course at the Muslim College of London, United Kingdom (1989)
2.  Religious Dialogue between Muslims, Jews and Christians in Bendorf, Germany (1989)
3. Study tour to Middle Eastern and European countries organised by the National Family Planning Board (1977)
4. Kidney Transplant Seminar / Progress and Challenges Faced by Islam in the Region, Singapore (1994)
5. Discussions of Ulama Nusantara: Islam In New Era: Drafting Agenda of the new Millennium (1998)
6. Third Conference of Indonesian Ulama (2000)
7. Dialogue with students in Washington, Unites States of America (1996) 

With all his responsibilities, duties and preaching activities, Harussani also found time to write books such as ‘Irsyad Hukum’ (touching on current issues), ‘Muammalah Hidup Islam’ (Islamic Way of Life) as well as work papers related to various topics such as worship, Baitulmal, ulama and family.

Harussani, who became Perak Mufti in 1985, was also awarded several stars and medals such as Tokoh Maal Hijrah (2008), Darjah Kebesaran Dato’ Seri Azlanii (2009), Panglima Setia Mahkota (2009) and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Education (2010).

It was previously reported that Harussani and his wife, Puan Seri Ainon Abdul Ghani were warded at HRPB before the Aidilfitri celebration, due to COVID-19.

Ainon recovered from the infection and was discharged from the hospital on May 21.

Harussani, who leaves behind his wife and four children, was buried at the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Melayu Sungai Rapat by health staff at about 6.30 pm.

Meanwhile, Perak Deputy Mufti Datuk Zamri Hashim when met by members of the press shortly after the burial said Harussani was a well-known Muslim figure who was firm and principled, and possessed the courage to fight for Islam.

"We managed to visit him at home before he was admitted to the hospital. This is a great loss to all Muslims in this country," he said.

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad in an entry on his Facebook page described Harussani as a distinguished religious personality, devoted to spreading the message of Islam.

“It is sad to receive this heartbreaking news. I myself have had many memories with Allahyarham (Harussani). He was an intellectual who was well respected and revered. In his assertiveness, he was polite and soft-spoken as well. He preached wisely and knowledgeably,” he said.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also conveyed their condolences to the family members of Harussani before starting their joint press conference on the COVID-19 situation in the country today.

One of Harussani’s most popular quotes is: "Leaders should not use religious law to win votes, leading to confusion among the community".

-- BERNAMA