NILAI - All parties are advised to be more sensitive in organising programmes, especially approaching and during Ramadan.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that the organised programmes should be suitable and preferably focused more on efforts to strengthen the faith and piety of the Muslim community.
"In general, my advice is to encourage efforts to strengthen faith and piety towards the end of Ramadan or before Ramadan.
"This is because we want to build Ramadan Madrasah. So, the programmes organised must aim at building a pious Muslim community," he said after the 'Malaysia Harmoni' lecture at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) here, today.
He said this in response to the advice given by Penang mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor on Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s upcoming March 9 concert 'Sebuah Epitome: Saya Siti Nurhaliza' which was too close to the beginning of the month of Ramadan month.
He said the advice was not only for celebrities but for everyone, as a sign of respect for the holy month.
He added that the ministry has no issue supporting the implementation of programmes or activities organised by any party as long as they conveyed a positive message.
"For example, the Subuh Macam Jumaat prayer programme by singer Alif Satar, which we support because it brings the community closer to Allah.
"Ramadan is a noble month in Islam.
"As Muslims, regardless of being in the entertainment industry, we need to have respect for the month of Ramadan," he said.
Meanwhile, Na'im suggested that the Penang mufti and the organisers of Siti's concert sit down together to discuss and find the best solution.
He emphasised that muftis should indeed be consulted when it involved legal and religious matters, but they should also be cautious in giving opinions.
He added that statements given should solve problems and not create unrest among the Muslim community.
"Opinions given must solve problems and not hang in the balance," he said.
At the same time, he also suggested that all public universities establish a Peace Education Course to develop an understanding of the importance of peace among the younger generation and the community.
"My idea is not only for USIM but also for other universities.
"If this subject or course can be included among students, Alhamdulillah.
"So when they finish their studies, they can establish and provide explanations to help the government create an atmosphere of harmony in the country," he said.
In addition, during his lecture, he also said the courses in universities in Europe were becoming popular among students.
He said that the theory and practice of peace implementation from various perspectives of civilization were thoroughly explored and compared.
Regarding the lecture programme, he said that its organisation was timely and can raise awareness of the fundamental importance of security and unity in the nation-building process.
"At a time when some parties are trying to portray a negative image of Islam and Muslims, Malaysia needs to first highlight the beauty and excellence of Islam.
"Educators need to be agents of harmony in society, not the other way around," he said.