KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — The Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI Fatwa Committee) has decided that Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah is the country’s official madhab (school of thought in Islamic jurisprudence) from a legal standpoint.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said the decision was made during the committee meeting on October 21 and October 22 last year.
“The government has taken several key measures to strengthen the Ahli Sunah Wal Jamaah approach, which emphasises moderation and seeks to minimise divisions among Muslims.
“The government remains committed to the unity agenda among Muslims in the country while also focusing on strengthening adherence to Ahli Sunah Wal Jamaah and discouraging extremism stemming from differing views and ideologies,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
Zulkifli was responding to Senator Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof's query on the efforts of the Madani government in addressing ideological differences that could affect Muslim unity.
He added that during its meeting on May 5, 1996, the MKI Fatwa Committee had determined that all Muslims in Malaysia should follow the teachings of Islam based on Ahli Sunah Wal Jamaah in matters of creed, jurisprudence, and ethics.
Among the government’s initiatives is the enhancement of the role of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia in collaboration with state Islamic institutions to ensure that the administration and governance of Islam align with Ahli Sunah Wal Jamaah principles.
“Efforts to coordinate and standardise fatwas, including syariah laws, are also carried out systematically in cooperation with state religious authorities.
“The MKI Fatwa Committee serves as an essential platform for addressing ideological differences. The committee meets at least three times a year to coordinate and standardise fatwas, ensuring they serve as a reference at both national and state levels,” Zulkifli said.
Friday sermons are also used to remind and advise Muslims to uphold moderation, harmony, peace, and unity while emphasising proper etiquette in handling differences.
Additionally, the government carries out various activities and programmes using both practical and verbal dakwah approaches to promote and strengthen the understanding of Islam.
“The government continues to enhance educational and knowledge-based programmes, including takmir sessions in mosques and suraus nationwide, Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam, Madani knowledge assemblies, hadith study sessions, and more,” he said.
Replying to Senator Datin Ros Suryati Alang's supplementary question on whether the government would issue guidelines for speakers, Zulkifli said each state has a tauliah (accreditation) committee to monitor, regulate, and approve preaching applications.
— Bernama
