IPOH: The perception of Islam and the global community's perception of Islam are influenced by the level of achievement and success among the Muslim community.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said Islam would be more respected and continuously honoured if the majority of its followers demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in various fields.
Sultan Nazrin said Islam did not exist in a vacuum, and thrives through the support of its followers who choose and accept Islam as their religion.
"The significant challenge facing the Muslim community today is the disparity between the sheer number of followers and those who truly understand, internalise, and practice Islam.
"For Islam to garner respect and honour, the majority of its followers must exhibit outstanding achievements across various fields," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said this in his speech before presenting appointment letters to members of the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) for the 2024-2025 term as well as Syariah Court Judges; and graced the Zakat Distribution Ceremony at Kompleks Islam Darul Ridzuan here, today.
Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Sultan Nazrin who is also the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, stressed that Islam should not be allowed to appear as a name without meaningful substance.
"The responsibility falls upon the ummah to illuminate Islam, giving it a glittering hue and filling it with convincing content.
"The success of glorifying the greatness of Islam greatly depends on the level of success achieved within the community. Therefore, efforts and programmes for human development should rightfully be the focal point," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said Islam is founded on knowledge, and the term 'ilmu' (knowledge) is mentioned in various forms, over 750 times in the Quran.
"Knowledge is the core for developing a progressive society and a great civilisation. The level of mastery of knowledge determines the depth of understanding, the degree of comprehension, and the proficiency in various aspects of life," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said knowledge is a fundamental component that shapes the values and personality of an individual, uplifting the standard of community life, and elevating the glory of a nation and its country.
"Moreover, knowledge serves as the strongest shield to protect individuals from slipping in faith due to the influence of vague interpretations by pseudo-scholars or deviating understanding caused by the deceptive words of false leaders disguised in religious masks," he said.
Sultan Nazrin added that to enhance the grandeur of Islam and to fortify the pride of the nation, it is imperative to prioritise collaborative efforts dedicated to nurturing the younger generation with knowledge.
He said this objective should be pursued through a well-structured and strategic movement, characterised by coordination and consolidation.
"In the quest to develop this strategic approach, MAIPk must work in collaboration with the Institutions of the Territorial Chiefs, the Islamic Religious Department, the Education Department, the Youth and Sports Department, the Perak Foundation, the State Youth Council, and the mosque committee members.
"This collaboration is vital to establish a strategic framework, optimise, coordinate, and synchronise resources and efforts, spearhead initiatives, and introduce and implement more innovative and creative programmes, with a focus on addressing current challenges and needs," he said.