JOHOR BARU – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the proposed Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith module for schools is exclusively intended for Muslims and is implemented to combat superficial knowledge, despite misconceptions held by certain quarters.
The prime minister emphasised that the lack of knowledge in these matters often leads to unfounded slandering and insults.
He also addressed non-Muslims who occasionally “exhibit Islamophobia”, emphasising that the module is designed solely for Muslim students.
“But are we forcing non-Muslims to abandon their beliefs? No. Are we making non-Islamic reading mandatory? No.
“The 40 Hadiths module is intended for Muslim students. Why do we emphasise this? Because we recognise that the superficiality of knowledge is a problem.
“Due to this superficiality, people can easily slander, insult, and condemn without just cause. Surprisingly, corruption isn’t criticised as strongly. It’s odd, I thought.
“Teaching the importance of having a beard seems to outweigh the importance of rejecting corruption. So, I don’t believe this (current) approach is wise,” Anwar said.
“The solution does not lie in me making the fatwa (as) it’s not within my expertise or skill. Instead, I refer to the hadith, and the majority of scholars believe in the importance of the hadith collected by Imam Nawawi.
“That’s an example. This, for me, represents a pragmatic approach to nurturing individuals like Ibn Sina.”
Anwar made these statements during the Temu Anwar programme, which was held this afternoon at Dewan Sultan Iskandar, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in Skudai, Johor Baru. The programme provided a platform for young people to ask questions to the prime minister.
On August 19, the education minister launched Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith module aimed at promoting hadith appreciation, beginning at the school level.
The module is also aimed at fostering values of courtesy and love, and strengthening religious understanding among Muslim teachers and students.
Initially, it will be implemented in national religious secondary schools (SMKA) and government-aided religious schools (SABK) before being introduced to schools under the ministry next year.
Anwar expressed his hope that the introduction of the module would proceed smoothly, but under the condition that all parties involved remain calm.
“I hope the launch goes smoothly. The prerequisite is maintaining calm.
“Let’s avoid making this an issue related to race or religion, let’s keep it separate. We should read history, understand it, and be sensitive to it,” he said. – September 3, 2023