Tokoh Maal Hijrah: Former Johor Chief Kadi Says Award Inspires Continued Islamic Preaching

JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 -- Johor Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M recipient, Anoar Sarimin, who is a former state chief kadi, said that the honour boosts his motivation to continue preaching and spreading Islamic teachings in the community.

The 63-year-old father of four, from Kampung Parit Kassan, Tangkak, remains active in giving talks at any time and in any place. Since retiring in 2022, he has also served on the State Fatwa Committee.

“Alhamdulillah for this prestigious award. I express my gratitude to all parties, especially His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and the government,” he said.

“I am very grateful to Allah and hope it inspires me to continue preaching daily to guide Muslims everywhere,” he told Bernama, at the Johor Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration at the Iskandar Islamic Centre.

Also present was the State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.

Anoar served as Johor’s chief kadi from 2018 to 2020, and later as deputy director of Operations at the state Islamic Religious Department, until 2022.

He fondly recalled organising the 100th Anniversary of Johor Islamic Education in 2018, and the National Quran Recitation and Memorisation assembly in 1443H/2022M, as among his most memorable moments.

Anoar urged Muslims to improve their lives, seek Allah’s pleasure, and embrace the Prophet Muhammad’s spirit of Hijrah and perseverance in spreading Islam.

Earlier, Mohd Fared, in his speech, encouraged Muslims to bravely embrace change, and rise to the challenge of self-development.

“Take the opportunity to improve yourself. Progress is meaningless if people lose their direction and values. Developing the ummah must go hand in hand with state development,” he said.

He added that the Maal Hijrah celebration, themed 'Membangun Ummah Maju Johor', reflects the state government's commitment to holistic and inclusive development.

-- BERNAMA