SHAH ALAM, May 23 – The Selangor government has reiterated its ambition to make Shah Alam and other cities in Selangor centres of knowledge for Islamic heritage and studies.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this aligns with the state administration’s vision to invigorate Selangor, particularly in terms of religious understanding and a life based on the pursuit of knowledge.
“My great hope is to see Shah Alam and other cities evolve into organised and systematic centres of knowledge for Islamic works and studies.
“This includes fostering an understanding of religion and life founded on the pursuit of knowledge represented and illustrated by ancient works passed down through generations,” he said during RTM’s live segment of Selamat Pagi Malaysia earlier today.
Amirudin was the guest of the show today, which was held in conjunction with the ongoing Turath Islami Selangor Festival 2024.
Also present at the talk show was Inisiatif Buku Darul Ehsan (IBDE) executive director and the event’s programme director, Farhan Affandi.
In his keynote speech at the Ulama Umara Symposium during last year’s Turath Islami Selangor Festival, Amirudin expressed his desire to establish Shah Alam as a prominent learning hub that many people could refer to.
He envisioned the state capital playing a role similar to that of Baitul Hikmah in Baghdad, Iraq, and Al-Qarawiyyin University in Al-Azhar, Egypt.
Baitul Hikmah, established by the Abbasid Caliphate during the Islamic Golden Age, became a focal point for Islamic scholars in various fields of knowledge.
Amirudin also stressed that Islamic teachings and practices should develop based on knowledge, not merely follow trends or influences from any party.
“If it is not anchored in knowledge, it will only lead to extreme interpretations and implementations,” he added.
The Turath Islami Selangor Festival, running from May 26 to June 2, will involve traditional scholars and academics in a deep dive into Imam Nawawi’s works.
The festival will take place at three locations, including the State Mosque. It will also feature former Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Professor Dr Ali Jum’ah, who will discuss the Forty Hadiths book.
