AS Malaysia grapples with modernity, the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 will be read for the second and third time next week and is poised to chart a new direction for the country’s religious leadership.
The bill seeks to formalise and update the roles and duties of muftis, representing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s calculated move to reshape Islamic leadership into one more attuned to both the spiritual and socio-economic challenges of today’s world.
But while the bill sets a new precedent, the road ahead demands even deeper reforms, particularly in how Malaysia’s muftis are educated and equipped for their roles.
While critics like Latheefa Koya have raised concerns about the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, suggesting it could lead to excessive government control over religious matters and encroach on constitutional principles by making the Mufti a “chief authority” on Islamic law, these concerns overlook the broader intent of the bill.
The legislation is designed to clarify the advisory role of the mufti in complementing the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – not to supersede it. Furthermore, while fatwas would become binding, this shift is aimed at providing clearer, consistent religious guidance for the Muslim community, ensuring that personal rights remain intact and fatwas are aligned with the Quran and Hadith.
The bill’s provisions, including a Fatwa Committee and inclusion of representatives from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, offer necessary checks and balances to prevent overreach, thus aligning with both democratic principles and the evolving role of Islamic leadership in Malaysia.
At the heart of this bill is the recognition that the current system of selecting muftis – largely based on traditional religious education – is no longer sufficient. Most muftis in Malaysia today, such as Mohamad Shukri Mohamad in Kelantan or Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin in Perlis, come from backgrounds steeped in Islamic jurisprudence, often trained in Middle Eastern institutions like Al-Azhar University.
While their religious expertise is undisputed, their ability to address modern societal issues – ranging from technology ethics to economic reform – remains limited.
Take, for instance, Luqman Abdullah – the Mufti of the Federal Territories – who, despite having a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, represents an exception rather than the rule. His exposure to both Islamic and Western scholarship allows him to engage with global issues more effectively than some of his counterparts.
However, most other muftis lack such diverse educational experiences. This gap between traditional religious training and modern societal needs is precisely what the new bill seeks to bridge.
The evolving role of the mufti
The Mufti Bill 2024 acknowledges that lifelong learning is no longer optional for religious leaders. The bill should emphasise the need for muftis to be fluent in English – recognising that the language is critical for engaging with global scholarship and international dialogues.
Moreover, the bill pushes for muftis to have expertise in science, mathematics, and economics, as these fields are essential in addressing the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.
Consider the case of Dr Anhar Opir, the Mufti of Selangor, who holds a PhD from Al-Azhar University and has a strong academic background in Shariah and Fiqh. While this grounding is vital, the challenges facing today’s Muslim communities – ranging from poverty alleviation to technological ethics – demand more.
Similarly, Zulkifly Muda, the Mufti of Terengganu, who has served since 2013 with a background in Islamic jurisprudence, must expand his understanding to include broader socio-economic issues or risk becoming irrelevant.
Resistance from traditionalists
Not everyone is on board with these reforms. Dr. Mohd Asri, a known reformist, has expressed concerns that the bill may curtail intellectual freedom by mandating strict adherence to Sunni doctrine. While his concerns about limiting theological diversity are legitimate, Asri should see this as an opportunity to develop a pipeline of intellectual ulamas like himself – scholars who are not only experts in Islamic law but also versed in global and societal issues.
Rather than opposing the Bill, Asri could play a pivotal role in shaping future muftis by promoting interdisciplinary education and encouraging cooperation with the federal government to implement these reforms. His opposition highlights a broader tension between conservative elements in Malaysia’s Islamic leadership and the progressive push to modernise.
Some states, particularly those not aligned with the federal government, have used their religious authority to resist federal reforms. This has led to a potential misuse of religious power, creating discord between the sultans and the Prime Minister’s Office.
In states like Kelantan and Terengganu, where PAS holds sway, the promotion of more rigid interpretations of Islam risks undermining efforts to promote moderation and inclusivity.
A blueprint for global islamic leadership
Despite these challenges, the reformist push remains crucial. Malaysia is not just reforming for itself – it is positioning itself as a global leader in Islamic governance. With a more progressive and well-rounded cohort of Muftis, Malaysia could become a model for other Muslim-majority nations seeking to balance tradition with modernity.
The global economic implications are clear: by promoting moderation and inclusivity in its religious leadership, Malaysia could lead the way in Islamic finance, halal industry development, and interfaith dialogue, all sectors with substantial economic potential.
For this vision to succeed, future muftis must be trained not only in Islamic jurisprudence but also in how to apply religious principles to economic inequality, technological ethics, and global political dynamics.
Muftis like Dr Asri or even Dr Faudzinaim Badaruddin in Negri Sembilan, who holds extensive academic qualifications in Tasawwuf and Akidah, must embrace the broader horizon that this bill presents, encouraging younger scholars to gain expertise across disciplines.
Conclusion: a moderate mufti for a modern Malaysia
As Malaysia prepares for the likely passage of the Mufti Bill 2024, it is clear that this is only the beginning of a long journey toward reform. The new mufti selection process, with an emphasis on English proficiency, science, and economics, will mark a critical shift in how Islamic leadership is understood and practiced in the country.
In the end, these reforms are not just about keeping pace with the modern world – they are about making Malaysia a united and peaceful country. If the muftis can embody this vision, Malaysia’s leadership in the Islamic world will be both spiritual and economic, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.
The challenge now is for both conservative and progressive scholars to come together, ensuring that Malaysia’s Islamic leadership is as diverse, inclusive, and intellectually engaged as the communities it serves. – October 11, 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