SHAH ALAM, July 18 — Selangor places a strong emphasis on balancing physical development with spiritual growth, anchored in the advancement of knowledge to shape a knowledgeable, ethical, and progressive society.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the organisation of the Selangor Turath Islami Festival (FTIS) exemplifies Selangor’s efforts to strike a balance between rapid physical progress, economic growth, and modern living, and spiritual enrichment and religious understanding.
He explained that proper study and teaching of kitab turath (classical Islamic texts), supported by thorough scholarship, can help prevent deviations in faith and the rise of extremist elements that lead to harmful ideologies such as takfir (excommunication) and khulūq (moral deviance), which have long caused unease in society.
“We seek a point of balance between development, economic vibrancy, and fast-paced modern life with deep engagement in classical Islamic texts, so that our souls are also nourished with understanding and meaning in religion and life.
“It is certain that religious awareness has grown in recent times. Following various crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a marked increase in religious consciousness, particularly among youths, and a reassessment of their understanding of Islam.
“I believe that with proper education and deep study, people are less likely to be misled or swept away by extremist elements that lead to takfir or khulūq, both of which may have, in one way or another, contributed to anxiety within the community,” Amirudin said.
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A visitor purchases books during the Islamic Book Festival 2025, in conjunction with the Selangor Turath Islami Festival 2025, at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam on July 17, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
He was speaking at the officiation of the Islamic Book Festival 2025, in conjunction with FTIS 2025 at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah last night.
The Menteri Besar noted that history shows successful civilisations and governments are often associated with the advancement of knowledge, intellectual enrichment, and a well-balanced development of the people’s spiritual and intellectual faculties.
“Progress is not merely seen in magnificent, grand buildings, or a robust economy. Since time immemorial, great civilisations or exemplary governments are recognised by their ability to nurture knowledge and cultivate their citizens with sound minds and healthy spirits,” he said.
During the event, the book Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars of Hadith by Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi was launched, published by Inisiatif Buku Darul Ehsan (IBDE) in collaboration with Media Selangor Sdn Bhd. The launch was officiated by the think tank Polity's director Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Speaking after the event, Amirudin said FTIS 2025 has received an encouraging response this year, with at least 1,000 participants attending each knowledge-sharing session and related activities. Additionally, 30 publishers participated in the programme, showcasing over 1,000 book titles.
Running from Saturday (July 12) until this Sunday (July 20), FTIS 2025 introduced two new events: Munaqasyah Ilmiah (Scholarly Discourse) and the Islamic Book Festival, which are expected to attract academics, students, as well as book and Islamic studies enthusiasts.
First held in 2023, FTIS was Amirudin's brainchild, aimed at reviving traditional Islamic scholarship in Selangor and eventually expanding it nationwide.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (front, fourth from left) with attendees of the Islamic Book Festival 2025, in conjunction with the Selangor Turath Islami Festival 2025, during its launch at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam on July 17, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
