Kuala lumpur: The legacy of the esteemed Islamic scholar Imam Sheikh Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi, known for his advocacy of moderation, unity, and justice, continues to hold significant relevance for Malaysia as the nation marks the 100th anniversary of his birth, according to Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), emphasized that the late Egyptian scholar was not only a mentor to the Islamic community but also a pivotal figure in promoting moderate Islamic thought. Al-Qaradawi's influence encouraged generations of preachers to reject stagnation and extremism. His relationship with Malaysia, particularly with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, remained strong since the 1970s.
Born on September 9, 1926, and passing away in 2022, al-Qaradawi left a scholarly legacy comprising over 100 volumes of works. He was a leading figure in modern Islamic moderate thought, or wasatiyyah. Al-Qaradawi's open letters, especially those through the International Union of Muslim Scholars, consistently acknowledged Anwar's leadership capabilities.
Dr Zulkifli highlighted a significant moment in April 2013 when the late Tok Guru Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, a close associate of Anwar, launched a pamphlet campaign containing al-Qaradawi's open letters supporting Anwar as a candidate for the Prime Minister's post. In these letters, al-Qaradawi urged Malaysia's opposition leaders to unite and consult to avoid division. He recognized Anwar's leadership, experience, and his widespread support among Malaysians of different races, deeming him fit to lead the nation.
In October 2014, al-Qaradawi called for all Malaysians to remain united and uphold democratic values to build a developed and moderate Islamic state. He also urged that Anwar should not continue to face persecution and defamation.
The bond and trust between al-Qaradawi and Anwar were further reinforced through a special letter in May 2018, translated by the late Ustaz Datuk Dr Siddiq Fadzil. This letter praised Anwar's resilience and generosity in resolving political conflicts for the people's and nation's welfare.
Dr Zulkifli noted that al-Qaradawi's advice also emphasized the judiciary's role in upholding truth and the necessity of developing a contemporary, inclusive, and realistic model of Islamic governance. This approach is crucial in safeguarding the interests of the Islamic community against modern challenges.
Furthermore, al-Qaradawi stressed enhancing dakwah efforts to deepen the understanding of Islam while rejecting arrogance and rigid group fanaticism. Dr Zulkifli concluded that these messages continue to be pertinent to all Malaysians, particularly in strengthening unity and ensuring that the Islamic approach remains rooted in truth, moderation, and justice.