IPOH: Both Muslim character and the identity of the ummah face serious challenges that must be addressed, says Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
He said that Muslims are increasingly exposed to global influences.
“Social media, popular culture, entertainment and global lifestyles are shaping the minds of the younger generation.
“Wise and thoughtful efforts, approaches and measures are therefore essential to strike the right balance and ensure that modernity does not erode Muslim principles and identity, thereby preventing a crisis of confidence in one’s own identity,” he said when gracing the state-level Maulidur Rasul 1448H celebration on Tuesday (Aug 25).
Present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin were also present.
He added that the unity of the Muslim community is also facing increasingly serious challenges.
He said that differences in politics, schools of Islamic thought, race and interests, together with the pursuit of influence, rank, position, wealth and worldly luxury, are increasingly outweighing the spirit of brotherhood, causing that sense of brotherhood to become progressively marginalised.
The Sultan added that Muslim leaders, Islamic organisations and movements should seek to avoid unnecessary disputes and minimise political rivalry, while giving greater priority to initiatives that can strengthen and elevate the identity of the Muslim community.
He added that it is encouraging and something for which we should be grateful, that while political leaders and factions choose to compete and be in conflict, there are also individuals and groups pioneering positive initiatives and advancing awareness in Islamic education, Islamic economy, Islamic finance, halal industries, Islamic endowments, digital Islamic outreach and the strengthening of the family institution.
“These positive efforts must be expanded, strengthened and brought to fruition.
“Let us be mindful that a strong Muslim character is not built in a day,” he said.
He said that it begins with firmly grounded faith, is shaped by knowledge, adorned with noble character, and demonstrated through deeds.
“If every community, every family and everyone takes responsibility for fulfilling their respective roles effectively, then, Allah willing, we will see the emergence of a Muslim community that is not only strong in identity, but also noble in character, broad in knowledge and steadfast in conviction,” he added.
