Seminars on Islam’s history in Sarawak to empower Muslims

KUCHING: Seminars that delve into the history of Islam and important events related to the religion in Sarawak are vital to empower the local Muslim community.

According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Usuludin and Philosophy lecturer Dr Mohamad Razak Idris, through such seminars, the Muslim community in the state can find their common bond and the opportunity to reflect on the history regarding the religion in Sarawak.

“Information from such seminars is vital in the 21st century Islamic uprising in the modern era,” he said during the ‘History of Islam in Sarawak’ seminar at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak, here yesterday.

He also pointed out that the Islamic uprising is an issue which must be discussed to find a common understanding towards the issue which affects Muslims worldwide.

Earlier on, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) chief Wan Azizan Wan Zainal Abidin said the seminar aims to look at the history of Islam in Sarawak from a fresh perspective.

He said information and facts collected from such seminars are vital to assist future research and, at the same time, create a connection between Islamic researchers statewide.

“The documentation of Islam’s journey into Sarawak will also raise awareness on research and documentation works of historical Islamic events in the state,” he added.

Over 200 participants attended the seminar which was organised by Abim and DBP.

Among the topics discussed were ‘Arabic Diaspora and Islamisation of Malay World’, ‘Religious Scholars Movement in the 20th Century’ and ‘Nationalist Movement Uprising in Sarawak’.