Today, 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 but must be managed carefully. The element of respect must be the leading principle in engaging with these differences of opinion that exist in a multiracial and multi-religious society. Islam stresses on sincere and wholehearted submission to God and not one which is a result of compulsion.
Therefore, we must accept the principles of diversity as acknowledged by Islam. The State of Madinah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW is an excellent example of how Islam promotes peace, accepts diversity among mankind and upholds the importance of humanity. Under the leadership of the Prophet in Madinah, Islam grew as a respected religion because of its moderate and balanced approach towards all communities living in the society which included all faiths and cultures, living together in a single nation. The rule of law was intact and duly observed. Local customary laws of all tribes and religions living in the society were also respected. Islam also guarantees protection of human rights, women rights, socio-cultural rights, religious freedom and rights of minorities living in the state.
Taking heed from the historical evidences of the Prophet’s leadership in Madinah, it is therefore important to realize that Islam upholds values of mutual respect, sincerity and ‘Adl (justice) as the guiding principles practiced by the Prophet to unify the various tribes and communities in Madinah. Therefore, these qualities should be emulated especially by Muslim leaders in finding solutions to the problems that the world is currently facing today.
Thus, in the context of creating inter-religious understanding and good relations among the multicultural society in Malaysia, IKIM together with its research partners from other agencies and academic institutions have taken the initiative to carry out a research on the approach called fiqh al-ta’amul which focuses on the manners of interaction among people of different religions and cultures. The aim of this research is to produce relevant guidelines that can help to enhance and empower the relations among religious adherents in Malaysia.
Al-Ta’amul which literally refers to interactions promoting the principles of compassion, peace, justice and the belief in God Almighty as the foundation for dealings with differences and diversities among mankind. These principles reject injustices, inhumane treatments of others and conflicts which occur as a result of the inability to accept differences in opinions and also the failure to establish peaceful co-existence within the society. The concept of al-ta’amul is also able to eradicate and curb elements of extremism and fundamentalism among religious followers who often use religion as an excuse for their violence and terror actions against others.
As an institution of thought based on research, IKIM continuously strives to provide the right understanding of Islam to the masses. This includes organizing national and international programmes on topics and issues relating to Islam that are pertinent and relevant to all segments of society. IKIM employs this as an avenue to educate and inform the general public on the Islamic approach and understanding with regard to issues that are of grave concern to humanity and world civilizations.
In this context, IKIM carries out numerous research activities and publications on Islam that can serve as source of information and knowledge which are the result of inputs from the religious and professional spheres for the public. The researchers in IKIM are engaged in numerous research projects and writings which highlight the universal values and principles of Islam including principles regarding engagements with people of different faiths that are all-encompassing and relevant to mankind. As IKIM celebrates its silver jubilee this year, IKIM is still committed to do what it does best that is to disseminate true knowledge and understanding of Islam by engaging directly with the relevant stakeholders in areas that include the socio-cultural, economic, political, legal, the environment, science and technology as well as harmonious relations between people of different religious groups.
As IKIM charts new chapters in the years to come, IKIM hopes to continue contributing to the society and the country through it institutional inspiration of ‘Understand Islam, Build Civilization’.