SHAH ALAM, Oct 29 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj today vowed to preserve Islam by strengthening the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah faith, the prestige of edicts, and Islamic administration, education and knowledge.
His Royal Highness said the Malay Sultanate isn’t just a symbol of rule, but functions to protect Islam.
“History shouldn’t just be read as success stories separate from trials. The Malay Sultanate last time faced various challenges.
“Even though the form of rule has changed, the responsibility to preserve Islam has been defended. Here is where the true strength of a legacy lies,” the Sultan said at the Multaqa Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj event, held at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building here today.
The Ruler also launched two books — Sheikhul Islam dan Mufti-Mufti Selangor (1930 to 2021) and Kompilasi Artikel Fatwa Tahun 2001-2005 (Jilid 1) — and the Selangor Mufti Department’s e-Fatwa system.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the Selangor Sultanate’s legacy in empowering Islam is centred on three cores that must be prudently strengthened according to demands of the time.
His Royal Highness said the first core is the continuity of rule and efforts to dignify Islam, while the second core emphasises support for a comprehensive and integrated education system.
“Third, the building of an institute that translates syarak conditions into policies, edicts and services for the people,” the Sultan said.
The Ruler added that ulama and leaders have different but complementary roles in strengthening the position of Islam.
Sultan Sharafuddin said kings must patronise and support institutions, while ulama must bravely advise without being influenced by interests that could negatively affect the dignity of knowledge.
“A good relationship isn’t one that shuts down admonition, but one that preserves manners, respects jurisdictions, and prioritises community interests,” His Royal Highness added.
The two-day Multaqa event, organised by the Selangor Mufti Department, gathers 2,000 participants including religious figures, public servants, and Islamic institution students.
At the event, the Sultan also listened to a sermon titled “The Sultanate’s Legacy in the Development and Empowerment of Islam in the Malay World”, delivered by renowned Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara.
Meanwhile, Selangor Mufti Dato’ Anhar Opir said the launch of the Islamic sheikhul and Selangor muftis’ biographies aims to reflect their leadership, knowledge and contributions to developing Islam in the state.
“The publication of these edict article compilation was an idea and decree by the Selangor Sultan to strengthen the community’s understanding of the declaration and leanings of an edict, based on hujjah and syarak dalils.
“Meanwhile, the e-Fatwa system is hoped to improve management efficiency and record accessibility, and could be empowered with AI technology,” he added.
