KUCHING – Sarawak has no issue with the implementation of Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadis Appreciation module because it does not involve non-Muslim students, said Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
In fact, he said, if non-Muslim students are interested in learning the module, it is not a problem because it provides them with additional knowledge.
“It is not compulsory (for non-Muslims), it is optional for non-Muslims, so non-Muslims can study if they want to,” he told reporters after the closing of the Digital Talents and Innovation Lab here today.
Roland said the matter should not be politicised as it is not compulsory for non-Muslims.
“Here in Sarawak, there’s no issue. Before we had Muslims studying in mission schools, they learned bible scriptures for knowledge… no issue; they are not being converted, actually, it makes them more knowledgeable,” he added.
The Imam Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadis appreciation module, aimed at fostering the values of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, or hadith, at the school level, was launched by the Education Ministry on August 19.
It is to ensure that the appreciation of the hadis begins at the school level and that it can foster a spirit of love and deepen religious understanding, especially among Muslim students and teachers.
The module will first be implemented at 61 national religious secondary schools and 228 government-aided religious schools throughout the country. – August 30, 2023