ARTICLES
Tajdid: A Necessity to the Ummah
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
Tajdid or the process of renewal to the religious comprehension is a necessity. Throughout the history of this ummah, the movement or the struggle of tajdid was instrumental in preventing the ummah from becoming weak and incompetent. In a sahih hadith reported by al-Imam Abu Daud, the Prophet s.a.w said: “Allah will raise for this community at the end of every hundred years someone who will restore its religion for it.”
Unity Government and Islamic Brotherhood
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
‘Unity government’ has become a hot term. I am not sure what it means exactly. Is it possible that it is just like before when ‘Islam Hadhari’ appeared out of nowhere and only much later did its definition was discovered? Whatever it is, as a Muslim, I will be extremely pleased and happy if Muslims can make amends with each other and together, look for ways to preserve the wellbeing of the ummah.
Islamize Politics or Politicize Islam?
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
I often call for Muslims to Islamize their politics and not politicize Islam. One may ask, what is the difference between the two? The difference is, when we strive to Islamize our politics we will ensure that our actions and our political missions do not contradict the teachings of Islam. Also, we will attempt to Islamize any un-Islamic political custom. In other words, we will use Islam as the guiding principle of our actions.
When Crimes Overcome the Makruf
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
Thousands of miles away from Malaysia, I read the Malaysia newspaper daily and keep myself abreast on how the security of the Malaysians is turning into a menacing state. Major crimes are occurring in all places. There are homicides, rapes, aggravated burglaries, snatch thefts and various other crimes that pain us by just thinking about it.
Between Spiritual Need and Sufism
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
When a society is overwhelmed by pandemonium, disorder, chaos, spiritual emptiness, destruction and moral degradation with no effective solutions at hand, we will see that some will start to turn to the religion to find the way out. Even if the goal is not to completely resolve the problems, by doing that, one will at least hope to put an end to the anxiety or bewilderment that has been occupying his soul.
Ulama Or Professionals As Leaders?
Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)
There is a hot debate going on in PAS deliberating whether the top leadership posts should be occupied by the ulama or the professionals. Initially, I had no intention to give my thought on this issue since I did not see the need for it. However, when many put across this question in a broader perspective, of whether Islam specifies that only ulama are qualified to be the country’s leader, I feel obligated to share my opinion in this issue.
