‘EMULATE PROPHET’S OPEN-MINDEDNESS’
Sultan Nazrin urges Muslims to discuss, engage and consult to be successful
MUSLIMS should have an open mind similar to that of Prophet Muhammad, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
The sultan said the Prophet had successfully transformed Madinah after hijrah (migration) through a culture of syura (discussion), engagement and consultation.
He said the culture allowed people to have different opinions and views, besides accepting criticisms.
“Islam will not prosper if the ummah (people) are narrowminded, have poor thinking and the mentality of the weak (but) through healthy and active minds, as well as the open-mindedness of its ummah,” he said at the Maal Hijrah celebration here yesterday.
Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria was selected as the ArRidzuan award recipient this year for his contributions to the development of Islam.
Harussani, 78, said it was important for religious scholars and preachers to always speak the truth when giving ideas to develop the nation.
He said while he was grateful for the award, he was cautious not to let success get to him.
“Success is also a (form of ) test for Muslims to see whether we will become arrogant. It scares me whenever I receive awards that I will cry (out of fear),” said Harussani, who has been a mufti for 32 years.
Former Perak syariah chief judge Datuk Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf was selected as this year’s Maal Hijrah exemplary award recipient for his contributions to syariah laws.
He said he upheld the principles of trustworthiness, firmness and dedication in carrying out his duties, and called for all government staff to do the same.
“At the same time, we should care for our charges. These are the traits of a leader,” said Aziz, who now serves in the Perak Syariah Court appellate panel and state Religious and Malay Customs Council.
Harussani and Aziz each received RM10,000, an umrah package, a medal, certificate and plaque.
Success is also a (form of ) test for Muslims to see whether we will become arrogant. It scares me whenever I receive awards that I will cry (out of fear). TAN SRI HARUSSANI ZAKARIA
Perak mufti