PUTRAJAYA: THE Maqasid Syariah index will be rolled out by January next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It measures the commitment index of Islamic countries in implementing policies and principles.
“Maqasid Syariah comprises the principles and pillars in Islam, which are entrusted to leaders and the ummah but the matter has been over-polemicised. Some say we are a Muslim nation and some say otherwise,” he told some 3,000 Muslim scholars and professionals at the annual gathering of Ulama-Umara and the 2014 Malaysia Mosque awards event here.
Present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha.
To address this confusion, Najib said, there was a need for a scientific measurement to gauge the nation’s attempt to fulfil the obligations stipulated by Islam.
He said the Syariah index could also be used to evaluate Malaysia’s progress with other nations.
“If there is any inadequacy, we can work towards fixing it.”
With the implementation of the Syariah index next year, Malaysia will be the first to have such an indicator.
Najib also called on Muslim scholars and professionals to join forces with the government to build a better future.
“As the leader of this government, please help me in chartering a brighter future for the nation and ummah.”
Najib said it was crucial to get input from the ulama for the government’s administration to be in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
“The country’s administration must be conducted well and here is where the ulama can give their views and support to ensure success and equal wealth distribution (for the people). In this respect, I urge the ulama to help the government in building a just and equal society.”
Touching on the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 tragedy, Najib rapped those trying to divide the people by making an issue out of the government’s decision to give full military honour to the victims.
“They are the same individuals who once said the Lahad Datu incursion was merely a staged sandiwara (play). And, now, they question why the fallen (soldiers and policemen) have not been treated with the same degree of honour given to the MH17 victims.”
Najib said his administration had always appreciated the military and police for their roles in upholding the nation’s security.
The Lahad Datu heroes had been accorded the national sovereignty medals, which were designed by Najib himself.
-NST
