NEW BOOK: Taib (second right) shows the book he just launched. Looking on are (from left) Asfia, Kipli, Shukor and Daud. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The Mufti’s Office should be elevated to a department so that it can perform its role as an authority on fatwa better.
Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the upgrade would greatly facilitate the understanding of Islamic teachings.
“To ensure that Muslims continue to progress, they have to realise that it is not just about looking at the religion itself but they also have to consider the environment in which they live in.
“The teachings and practices are not frozen in one era only but are ever-developing along with the changing times. “Therefore, it is important to strengthen our faith through deeper understanding.
“It is not enough to know the teachings but we must challenge ourselves to think deeper,” he said at the official opening ceremony of the state-level fatwa seminar here yesterday.
Taib also pointed to the importance of education on Muslims, especially the youths.
“We need to instil strong faith in the younger generation so that they will not be swayed into committing wrongdoings such as getting involved with drugs. Organised crimes have become part of a prosperous society.
“That is why with the changing times we have to find ways to spread understanding of Islamic teachings.
“We have to take an active role in defending our society from social ills and that starts from the family.
“The noble teachings cannot last if the understanding of Islam doesn’t match with the times.
“It must be renewed from generation to generation so that it will benefit believers for ages to come,” he said.
The chief minister pointed out that it was also important for the intellects to work together to provide better interpretation of the Quran and Islamic laws so that all Muslims are able to understand and accept them without confusion.
During the ceremony, Taib also launched a new Islamic book titled ‘Penyingkap Hukum Siri 3’.
Also present were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, National Fatwa Council chairman Tan Sri Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin, state Mufti Sahibus Samahan Kipli Yassin, state Islamic Council chairman Datu Putit Matzen and other dignitaries.
Over 500 participants attended the one-day seminar.