Muslims must be ready to undergo migration of mind, culture - Sultan Nazrin

IPOH - Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today said that Muslims must be ready, even obligated, to undergo a migration of the mind and culture, which will enable them to understand and interpret contemporary issues from various dimensions and empower them to tackle and master current situations, especially the rapid technological revolution.

Sultan Nazrin said a migration of the mind requires breaking free from ignorance and comfort zones, and calls for courage to explore new knowledge, skills, mediums and methods in line with the needs of the time.

"A mind eager for progress, a wise and rational mind, a liberated mind that is not subservient, and a mind unafraid of change are all essential for a successful migration,” His Royal Highness said in his address in conjunction with the state-level Maal Hijrah 1445H celebration here.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah and Raja Puan Muda of Perak Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

Sultan Nazrin said cultural migration, on the other hand, involves being willing to leave behind obsolete and decayed cultures and embracing a more dynamic culture that reflects noble character, discipline, dignity, honesty, sincerity, and adheres to Islamic principles and values.

"Hijrah or migration is a form of jihad, and those who migrate in the path of Allah will attain success and a better life,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin said the increasingly complex challenges necessitate a change of mindset and cultural adaptation to meet the demands of the time while staying true to the principles of monotheism to avoid deviating from the true interpretation of life.

Furthermore, he said living in the 21st century, an era witnessing technological advancements that enable people to transcend boundaries, everyone must view the world with a broader perspective and an optimistic mindset.

"We must be prepared at all times to face change, for it is a decree of Allah that will inevitably happen. The world and everything within it are subject to change, including approaches, perspectives, visions, systems, concepts, theories and more.

"Hence, migration is a manifestation of the need for renewal, aligning with the changes in civilisation and time,” he added.

At today's event, Sultan Nazrin presented the state's Tokoh Maal Hijrah1445H award to the founder of Yayasan Pembangunan Masjid Wilayah Bagan Serai, Jurij Sulaiman, and the Saidina Abu Bakar Award (Tokoh Ar-Ridzuan) to the chairman of the Muhammadiah Mosque (Chinese Mosque) in Ipoh, Datuk Dr Fadzli Cheah Abdullah.

Both of them received cash of RM15,000 each, an Umrah package worth RM9,000, a trophy and a certificate.

Sultan Nazrin also presented the state's Maal Hijrah award to other recipients, namely the president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Association of Perak, Mohamad Saifuddin Abdul Latif, who received the Saidina Ali Award (Eminent Youth Personality), the Siti Khadijah Award (Eminent Woman Personality) to community activist Dr Umi Kalthum Ngah and Asnaf Icon Award to single mother Hasarinawati Abdul Wahab.

The recipients for the other categories are Al-Hidayah Mosque, Bandar Behrang 2020 for the Al-Baqi' Award (Best Islamic Cemetery Management) and to the management of the Tanah Perkuburan & Waqaf Am Islam Kariah Rapat Setia, Ipoh for the Al-Quba Award (Best Mosque Management).

They took home took home RM5,000 in cash, certificate and plaque each. - BERNAMA