Building a society means building its people. How does one build people? If we were constructing a building, we would prepare the site, design, building materials, and so forth.
However, building humans does not require physical sites, designs, or construction materials. When building humans, what is constructed is their inner selves: their souls, spirits, morals, thoughts, beliefs, and faith.
State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned articulated this in his premier paper titled ‘Building a Sustainable Islamic Society and Civilisation’ during the 15th Borneo Islamic International Conference (KAIB XV).
The state mufti expanded on his earlier point by illustrating Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a transformative figure. His focus was not on strengthening physical bodies, indulging in luxury or dwelling in opulence. Instead, he dedicated himself to nurturing souls, spirits, characters, faith, and belief.
Through his teachings and actions, he led a profound reform from a society lacking in morals and faith to one characterised by noble virtues and unwavering faith.
“He accomplished all this not through material means, but through ‘La ilaha illallah’ (There is no god but Allah) and Al-Quran, through monotheism,” said the state mufti.
This transformative period yielded remarkable individuals like Sayyidina Abu Bakr, who despite his wealth, donated everything to Islam and liberated slaves such as Bilal bin Rabah. When asked what he left for his family, Abu Bakr responded, “I have left them Allah the Almighty and His Messenger.”
Similarly, Sayyidina Umar, once a vehement opponent of Islam, became its staunchest supporter through the Prophet’s (pbuh) prayers, renowned for his generosity and noble character. Sayyidina Uthman bin Affan, celebrated for his modesty and generosity, earned praise for reserving his right hand exclusively for shaking the Prophet’s (pbuh) hand.
Sayyidina Ali risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet’s (pbuh) place to deceive enemies plotting his assassination. Abdurrahman bin Auf, extraordinarily wealthy, was renowned for his charity, significantly contributing to Madinah, including during the Battle of Tabuk.
Lastly, Khalid bin Al-Walid, known as the “Sword of Allah”, was celebrated for his military prowess and steadfast devotion to Islam.
“During the Prophet’s (pbuh) time and beyond, these individuals participated in jihad expeditions and later led armies against Persian and Roman forces, never losing a battle.
They sought martyrdom, and Khalid wept on his deathbed for not achieving it, underscoring their dedication to Islam and its community.
“These are just a few examples of great figures in history, shaped by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for Islam, the community, and the nation. They left enduring legacies that are indelible in history.”
The state mufti also emphasised the importance of contemporary efforts in nurturing individuals, pointing to Palestine as a vivid example.
In the ongoing struggle for their nation, religion, and homeland, Palestinians are deeply committed to Quranic education and memorisation, detailed in ‘The Miracle Events of Allah’s Help for the Palestinian People’ – an initiative that sees all Palestinian children enrolled in tented and institutional settings dedicated to Quranic learning, reading, and memorisation.
This educational initiative in Palestine serves two primary objectives, said the state mufti. First, it aims to draw spiritual strength from Al-Quran, equipping individuals to confront their adversaries with resilience and steadfastness.
Second, it focuses on nurturing a deep-seated affection for Al-Quran among Palestinian youth. This approach not only encourages them to embrace the teachings of their faith but also instils courage and fortitude, preparing them to face the challenges and uncertainties of their circumstances with unwavering determination.
Through Quranic education and memorisation, Palestinian children are empowered to uphold their cultural and spiritual heritage, fostering a sense of unity and strength within their community.
“Despite vehement opposition from adversaries, who fear these educated children may become future defenders of their nation, such efforts persist,” he added.
The resilience of the Palestinian people was starkly illustrated during the 2008 Gaza attacks, where 1,412 children tragically lost their lives in just three weeks. Yet, amid this sorrow, hope endured with the birth of 3,700 new children during the same period – an evidence of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
“This is the power of Allah the Almighty: enemies may kill many, but Allah replaces them with even more,” said the state mufti, adding that we witness bloodied victims carried to their graves, but as Al-Quran states (Surah Al-Imran, verse 169), “Do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah the Almighty as dead. They are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.
“We should not doubt this Quranic promise. Allah the Almighty has shown that those who die in His cause are indeed not dead. We see the same in the stories of martyrs and their continuous reward.”
The state mufti then emphasised the importance of establishing a sustainable Islamic civilisation, defined by continuous beauty and safety. Central to this vision is aligning societal structures with Syariah objectives, which prioritise safeguarding religion, intellect, soul, progeny, and wealth. In practical terms, this means creating cities and states where inhabitants experience prosperity, peace, and security free from crime and sin.
Under Syariah principles, an Islamic civilisation prohibits criminal activities such as gang violence, nightclubs, gambling, and alcohol consumption, as these contradict its ethical framework.
Syariah laws extend protection not only to Muslims but also to non-Muslims, animals, plants and even inanimate objects, reflecting a comprehensive ethical responsibility.
Islamic teachings underscore compassion and mercy, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) actions towards both humans and animals. He forbade harm to civilians during warfare, including children, women, the elderly and emphasised protecting crops and buildings.
Even seemingly minor neglect, such as failing to repair a broken road, carries moral weight in Islamic ethics and is accountable to Allah the Almighty.
These teachings emphasise accountability, justice, and compassion as foundational principles of a sustainable Islamic civilisation.
“Islam emphasises the sanctity of life and the preservation of civilisation. It admonishes against the actions of historical tyrants like Pharaoh and Haman, who perpetrated atrocities such as killing innocent children, and Nimrod, who attempted to burn Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) alive,” highlighted the state mufti.
Today, he added, the world faces perpetrators of even greater crimes, who indiscriminately kill tens of thousands, destroy homes, mosques, and hospitals and wreak havoc on lives and civilisation.
These individuals are unequivocally condemned as blood-shedders and destroyers, violating the core principles of humanity and decency that Islam upholds.
“O Allah, O Most Merciful, O Most Generous, O Almighty, O Avenger! We beseech our Lord to save the people and land of Palestine, just as our Lord saved the Prophets and believing communities in ancient times,” said the state mufti, concluding his premier paper. – Rokiah Mahmud
