New mosque council can inspire innovation and invigoration, says Perak Ruler

IPOH: The Perak Mosque Consultative Council needs to have a broad perspective to enable mosques to play a more dynamic and meaningful role, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah (pic).

The Perak Ruler said the council should serve as an inspiration and break free from old perspectives that were deliberately formulated in the past to limit mosques to narrowly-defined worship-related matters.

“The council, a Syura-based assembly, is a newly-established entity.

“May this council serve as an inspiration, nurturing a migration of thought and culture, leading to innovative approaches and strategies that invigorate mosques,” he said in his opening remarks during the presentation ceremony of council members’ letters of appointment Kompleks Islam Darul Ridzuan here Wednesday (Aug 30).

“May the mosques in Perak experience enhanced vitality through fresh ideas sparked during the council sessions,” he added.

Sultan Nazrin said the concept of Syura (consultation) was introduced by Prophet Muhammad in governance as an endeavour to nurture the community and civilisation.

“Syura entails discussion among experts to arrive at informed decisions and offers a platform for diverse ideas and viewpoints to be exchanged in a dignified, professional and disciplined manner.

“It benefits society and conflicting parties by fostering rational understanding and resolutions through respectful dialogue.

“It represents an Islamic approach to governance, enabling leaders to seek solutions involving the public through the spirit of forgiveness and negotiation.

“Through Syura, members have the opportunity to delve into issues, enhance understanding, propose innovative ideas, address challenges, and suggest viable solutions,” Sultan Nazrin added.

He said the idea to form the council was proposed during a Syura session initiated by Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.

“The idea was then presented to us and we gave our consent to the establishment of this council with the names of individuals proposed by the secretariat to be appointed as the council members.”

Sultan Nazrin also said mosques are quintessential centres for promoting Islamic teachings and advancing civilisation.

“With Allah’s boundless generosity, Perak currently has 707 mosques. As the population grows and new residential areas emerge, there are continuous requests to build new ones.

“The Muslim community in this country should indeed be thankful for the availability of mosque facilities that meet their needs,” he said, adding that mosques also required greater attention for invigoration.