AS the story in scripture goes, during a time of change and moral decline, Muhammad sought solitude in the mountains surrounding Mecca, particularly in the Cave of Hira on the Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light).
This practice of retreating into the mountains was not uncommon among the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsular, who would often seek reflection in places like the mountains of Taif or those surrounding Medina.
It was in the Cave of Hira, during one of these retreats in 610 CE, that Muhammad experienced a profound revelation. He recounted that “a radiating and divine aura appeared before him and commanded him to ‘read.’”
Initially terrified and confused, Muhammad questioned his sanity and feared he might be possessed by an evil spirit.
When he responded that he was illiterate, the entity replied:
“O’ Muhammad, do not shield yourself from Him and read (iqra’) in the name of the Sovereign Architect who crafted the universe and all within it. This Architect, who ingeniously had sculpted humanity from a coalesced droplet of sanguine fluid, shall impart wisdom to you and every individual through intelligible languages, bestowing upon them the wondrous gift of knowledge from here on.” (Al-Muddaththir, 74th Chapter of the Quran)
This pivotal moment, guided by the Angel Gabriel, laid the foundation for Islam’s reverence for knowledge, which remains central to Islamic values until today.
It is this very emphasis on knowledge that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim seeks to reinvigorate in Malaysia through his reformasi agenda.
Uplifting the poor and enlightening minds
However, one significant challenge lies in reforming religious leadership, particularly the role of the mufti, to support this vision of economic and intellectual upliftment.
To bring about lasting change, the mufti – one of the highest authorities in Islamic jurisprudence – must evolve.
Diverse educational and professional backgrounds in mufti selection
Traditionally, the qualifications and scope of muftis have leaned towards candidates with a narrow focus on Islamic jurisprudence, often obtained from Middle Eastern universities.
While these educational institutions are well-regarded, they limit the breadth of the mufti’s role in addressing modern societal challenges such as technology ethics, assisted education, and social reform.
As a start, the pool of candidates must be expanded to include individuals with diverse educational and professional backgrounds. It is crucial to consider candidates who not only have a strong grounding in Islamic scholarship but also possess knowledge in fields such as social sciences, economics, and international relations.
By broadening the scope of education, Malaysia’s muftis would be better equipped to offer guidance which is relevant to the country’s current socio-economic landscape.
Aligning religious leadership with national development goals
A mufti aligned with Anwar’s vision could play a critical role in promoting policies that advance social justice, economic equality, and education.
By emphasising both religious and secular knowledge, a modern mufti can help break cycles of poverty and encourage intellectual growth within the Muslim community. This would embody the essence of Iqra – the call to read and seek knowledge – as a means of empowerment.
A mufti with a worldview would advocate for religious teachings that support broader development goals. Such a leader would not only focus on religious doctrine but also champion policies that uplift marginalised communities through education and economic opportunities.
Planting the seeds of change
To modernise the role of muftis, Anwar must strategically partner with the federal leadership, beginning with the state sultans who hold significant influence over mufti appointments.
Persuading the sultans to embrace a more inclusive approach is crucial for aligning religious leadership with the nation’s development aspirations. This requires a delicate balance between preserving tradition and fostering innovation in religious leadership.
Additionally, Anwar must work closely with state governors, particularly in regions where federal and state dynamics intersect, such as Penang, Melaka, and Sabah. These states, with their unique administrative structures, provide an opportunity to reform the federal-state balance in religious matters.
In these regions, Anwar can advocate for a reformed mufti selection process that incorporates a wider range of educational qualifications and experiences, ensuring that future muftis are not only scholars of Islam but also well-versed in addressing the social and economic challenges of contemporary Malaysia.
A modern mufti for all malaysians
As Malaysia continues to navigate the complexities of modernity, the alignment of religious leadership with national reform efforts will be key to sustainable growth.
If Anwar can inspire the sultans and state governors to modernise the role of the mufti, Malaysia could enter an era where religious leadership supports intellectual empowerment, economic equality, and social progress.
The reformation of the mufti’s role is not just a religious necessity but a national imperative, critical to Malaysia’s future development as a nation rooted in both tradition and progress. – October 6, 2024
Tuan Muda is the pseudonym of Mudasir Khan, an American corporate transplant who grew up in Penang and brings a unique blend of global insight and local expertise to the logistics industry