Govt always empowers Islamic development agenda: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's commitment to upholding the status of Islam as the federal religion can be seen in the government's serious and systematic efforts in administering the country based on the framework of Maqasid Syariah and the approach of Wasatiyah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix) said this was because the government had always empowered the Islamic agenda in the country's development.
"This include the latest government's pledge to produce 125,000 professional huffaz in five years and to upgrade the status of Darul Al-Quran in Kuala Kubu Baru to Al-Quran University," he said in his message in conjunction with Israk and Mikraj 1439H, which will be celebrated today.
In the message, which was posted on his blog www.najibrazak.com, the prime minister said the pledge was a high-level commitment between ulama and umara (religious scholars and leaders) in administering and prospering the nation in line with the concept of "baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafur (good nation, blessed by Allah the Most Forgiving) as mentioned in the Quran.
"It is also in line with the hadith from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH as narrated by Abu Nu'aim which means "there are two types of people who, if they are righteous, the people are righteous, and if they are bad, the people are bad, they are the ulama and umara"," he said.
Najib said the hadith showed the importance for ulama and umara to play their roles accordingly in discharging their responsibilities entrusted by Allah in administering the country.
Hence, he said the people must choose leaders and form a government that would always uphold the religion and ensure people's wellbeing so that peace and prosperity enjoyed today could be preserved.
Citing the miracle of Israk and Mikraj, Najib said the country, together with the people, were also on a great journey towards achieving the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) initiative, which would preserve the strong solidarity bridge among members of the society.
"The implementation of this TN50 can be seen not only through the material development achievement index, as it also revolves around the development of a civilisation," he said.
Najib said the Israk and Mikraj also reminded Muslims of the idealism and struggles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which should be learned and used as a guidance in implementing good governance in the country.
"Last but not least, let's strive for a greater country together and adopt best practices in everyday life.
"To all Muslims, let us observe this great event so that we can be "khaira ummah" (the best nation).
"Have a blessed Israk and Mikraj 1439H," he said.
Israk and Mikraj is observed on the 27th day of the month of Rejab, which is the seventh month in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven.
Israk and Mikraj is a public holiday in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis. — Bernama