Anwar echoes Sultan Nazrin's call for shura and adab

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has echoed the call of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah for Muslims to embrace the principles of shura (consultation) and adab (civility and proper conduct) in navigating differing opinions and ideas. Sultan Nazrin's address at the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) meeting was described as profound and insightful.

Anwar emphasized that shura goes beyond Western democracy, encompassing patience and wisdom in decision-making. He also highlighted the significance of adab, which extends beyond mere conduct to include education, learning, consultation, and interpersonal relations. Anwar stressed that a culture of shura and adab should be promoted within families, educational institutions, organizations, mosques, the administration, and society at large to manage disagreements with knowledge, patience, and respect.

The Prime Minister noted that these principles are especially relevant in today's context of competing ideas, including those related to religion and society. He urged their widespread understanding and practice by all parties, including the government, opposition, and Islamic preachers. Anwar further advocated for a greater emphasis on Islam's intellectual heritage, suggesting that interpretations of the Quran and hadith should draw from recognized commentaries and authoritative scholars.

He proposed that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) organize more scholarly programs focused on the Islamic intellectual tradition. Additionally, Anwar called for stronger religious understanding among the public, particularly young people and the Orang Asli community, and for the wider dissemination of Sultan Nazrin's address.