By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, June 1 — Selangor has set a goal to be one of the leading pioneers that champion the efforts and promotion of the rich heritage of Islamic study and traditions.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said it is the state’s aspiration to mainstream the study of Islamic scholarly heritage, also known as turath.
“We are aware that Java, Sumatra and Pattani have rich histories and a wealth of traditional studies. These are the strengths that we aim to harness,” he said in his speech at a seminar in conjunction with the Selangor Turath Islami Festival, at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, here, today.
“In terms of intellectual culture, for the past seven years, Selangor has consistently supported the translation of books from both the western and eastern worlds.
“Meanwhile, in an effort to revive Islamic heritage, despite existing limitations, we continue to strive to connect the Islamic world of the Arabs, Malays and even extend to the likes of Africa, India, America and Europe... in short, as widely as possible.”
Amirudin said the state’s efforts are evidenced by the participation of scholars and guests from various countries in this year’s festival, including Egypt, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
He said the Selangor government will strive to bring in even more guests from other countries like Yemen, Pakistan, India and Africa next year.
“The effort to revive and develop Islamic heritage will take a very long time, but we believe that with the prayers of the scholars, especially those present here today, what seems long will become shorter, and what seems distant will become closer.”
Earlier in his speech, Amirudin said the Selangor Turath Islami Festival is a gathering to declare and promote knowledge dissemination efforts.
He noted that starting last year, he had dispatched several "ambassadors" to participate in networking activities and fact-finding missions.
“We extended our hands to senior and young scholars. To scholars present here today, I hope that our representatives will continue to receive warm receptions from those whom we hold in high regard.”
Amirudin said the appointed ambassadors have also visited several scholars in Malaysia, including Habib Abdullah al-Habsyi, the leader of Muwasolah Bainal Ulama, as well as those in Pattani and Java.
“On top of that, we have established a Turath Academy under the auspices of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque.
“We have developed curricula for in-depth learning sessions in mosques. For the initial stage, these studies will be conducted in Selangor’s nine districts.”
