In his recent local television interview, prominent American Muslim scholar, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, spoke favourably about the virtues and stability of constitutional monarchy-led governments such as Malaysia, against the backdrop of political turmoil, violent anarchy, and failed states which almost always resulted from the breakup of consensus in the government structure of democratic republics. Since…
George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” In many places around the globe, however, children are denied their right to education due to reasons such as unaffordability, living in crises such as wars, natural disasters and epidemics plus inability to meet certain requirements to enrol into…
Abu Hurairah once reported that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “The believer (Muslim) will not allow himself to be bitter by or snake twice from the same hole.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim). The hadith clearly teaches us that we must always be careful not to fall into the same problem or…
It is evident that there is a conscious or unconscious neglect of the study of humanities—an umbrella term for the study of religion, philosophical sciences, history, literature & art among others—in the allocation of funds for scholarships, research grants, and publications from the public and private sector in Malaysia and …
In light of the upcoming amendments to the Employment Act, the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is calling for the introduction of at least seven days of paternity leave in the private sector, similar to the current practice of the public sector. This news brings to mind the to-do list that Islam highly recommends parents, especially…
The word “profile” may not be unfamiliar to many. It always refers to personality when used. Profiles carry some information about a person’s life, work, character, behaviour and hobbies. In our attempt to describe somebody, we will gather as much information of the person as possible. This is profiling activity. …
Giving a gift to show appreciation is a norm in business relationships particularly among Malaysian. However, a gift may be a deadly poison that potentially collapses a country and civilisation. This is true in the case of an authority who receives a gift for favour of doing something against entrusted responsibility and beyond truth or…
At present, we live in a world where plurality shapes the very essence of societies. Cultural, religious and also ethnic diversities call for us to learn more about each other and understand the sensitivities that exist within these various social groups. In dealing with diversities, differences in views and practices are also considered a normalcy…
According to the Islamic calendar, the month of Ramadan—a very important month for Muslims—is just seven days away. Throughout this month, every Muslim who has reached puberty, is sane and is not sick or travelling, is required to fast from dawn till dusk as mentioned in verse 183 of the Quran, in Surah al-Baqarah. While waiting for the blessed month, it would be good …
We are nearing the month of Ramadan, a holy month for the Muslims. This is the month that Muslims eagerly await for, as there are plentiful bounties and rewards for those who fast and do good deeds. One of the good deeds that are very much encouraged is thriftiness.Thriftiness in the context of Ramadan includes the need to ensure that, not only is food …
