KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) says that rather than being excessively criticized, discussions involving the Quran should be promoted in a constructive manner.
Anwar took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to emphasize the importance of values and morals in carrying out duties and responsibilities, particularly in relation to a recent event involving civil servants discussing the story of seven “Ashabul Kahfi” (men of the cave).
Following the event, the subject was widely discussed on social media.
“I relate the story of the seven young men as mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf in the Quran, where during that time, the unjust system, government and a cruel king who worshipped idols were rejected by the believers, including these youths who took refuge in a cave,” Anwar said.
“The message is about the steadfastness and firmness of these young men’s faith that shielded them from depravity.”
“Therefore, it is appropriate for civil servants to take lessons from this story,” Anwar said.
However, Anwar expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of his views, leading to criticism and ridicule from certain parties, including preachers and scholars, which he described as excessive and unacceptable.
In a short video uploaded in the post, Anwar explained that his intention in delivering such a message to civil servants was to remind them that economic sustainability, progress, and good governance should be aligned with faith, values, and morals.
“That is why when I was appointed as prime minister, among the first books that I requested Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) to distribute widely was Adabul Ikhtilaf Fil Islam by the late Sh Taha Jabir al-Alwani, which discusses ethics of disagreement in Islam,” he said.
He also highlighted the issue of blind devotion to political parties and the act of criticizing, cursing, and slandering those with differing opinions, and emphasized the need for civil discourse.
Anwar also detailed the upcoming introduction of Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadis Appreciation module for Muslim students in schools next year, aimed at enhancing the public’s understanding of Islam. – Bernama
