By Abdul Rahim Sabri
CAIRO, Nov 6 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari paid a courtesy visit to former Egypt grand mufti Prof Ali Jum’ah at the latter’s residence in Giza near here yesterday.
Spending about an hour together, they discussed various issues, including the theological schools of Ash’ari and Maturidi as the pillars of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, as well as matters related to Palestine and grave relocations in Selangor.
Their discussion also addressed opposition from certain groups in Malaysia toward these two schools of thought, following the tabling of the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 in Parliament.
During the meeting, Amirudin expressed his commitment to defending both schools, suggesting they be featured as the topic of Friday sermons in Selangor and highlighted at the upcoming Turath Islami Festival.
“We will defend the Ash’ari and Maturidi schools both externally and internally. After two years of hosting the Turath Festival, Selangor is seen as a stronghold for Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah,” he said.
The first reading of the Mufti Bill, one of three related to Islamic affairs tabled for amendment in the Dewan Rakyat, took place in July.
Among other things, the bill aims to define Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, whose theological foundation is based on the Ash’ari and Maturidi traditions.
Meanwhile, Ali, who featured as an honorary guest at the Selangor Turath Islami Festival in 2023 and 2024, welcomed Amirudin’s determination and Islamic leadership in the state.
He also urged Muslims in Malaysia to oppose certain ideologies deemed dangerous, extremist, and misleading to the community.
“We need to work (to confront these groups). If our efforts continue, we will succeed,” he said during the discussion, which was also attended by the state delegation.
