11th International Muslim Youth Forum at Istanbul, 1-2 October 2016

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By: Afnan Hamimi bin Taib Azamudden
Secretary General, Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Youth Wing

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. I, representing the PAS Youth Wing would like to extend our appreciation and heartiest congratulations to the International Youth Forum for organising this 11th International Muslim Youth Cultural Cooperation Meeting.

1.2. PAS Youth Wing would also like to thank the organiser for inviting us to take part in this conference whilst providing us the opportunity to share and exchange ideas throughout this meaningful event.

1.3. This programme is crucial in order to cultivate the spirit of Islamic brotherhood (ukhuwwah Islamiyyah) among Muslim youths from all over the world and to provide Islamic solutions to the problems and challenges faced by today’s humanity across religions, races and regions.
My dear brothers and sisters,

2. THE PASSING OF SYEIKH DR. HARON DIN

2.1. PAS members in Malaysia were deeply moved by your thoughts and condolences upon us due to the passing of our former Mursyidul Am, Syeikh Dr. Haron Din. His passing is truly a great loss for us and the entire world of humanity as he was, indeed, a renowned murobbi (educator) and a great mujaddid (reformer) who has dedicated his years of life for the sake of Islam and Muslims altogether.

2.2. We, as the youths of the present day must continue the legacy of our previous leaders and warriors who have already made their way to meet Allah s.w.t. Indeed, they have managed to fulfill their promises to Allah while we are still being tested to keep ours. In syaa Allah, may Allah grant us with the spirit of ikhlas (sincerity) and istiqomah (steadfastness) along our life journey.

Dear brothers and sisters,
3. ISLAMIC MOVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

3.1. In this age that foresees the birth of various and widely-spread deviant firqah (groupings) and fikrah (ideologies), it is our responsibility as the proponents of Islamic movement under the guidance of words of Allah (kalamullah) and sayings of Rasulullah s.a.w (hadith Rasulullah s.a.w) to lead the people in developing our nations with Islam as the basis. This includes propagating Islamic agenda in terms of their concept of establishment and practical application.

3.2. Islamic movements must take the role and be responsible to develop their countries. With right strategy, this still can be done despite not having the power as the ruling government in most countries. Such development is to be moulded within the framework of Islam rather than that of the West.

3.3. It is to our observation that the living system created by the West only focuses on the aspect of physical and intellectual development while neglecting the aspect of human development. This system has taken its toll with the destruction of human civilisation. Today’s political, economic, social and educational systems are still stuck within falsehood as created by the West in which it would never succeed at connecting mankind with God.

72ff558f-edf2-41cd-8eac-ddaa915416093.4. The goal of Western civilization is solely on the maximisation of production and profit generation. Contrary to that, the goal of Islamic-oriented civilization is to attain the blessings of Allah and at the same time, to achieve worldly success. Islamic movements play a vital role in managing such development so that it adheres to the teachings of Islam which serves the function as a mercy to the entire world (rahmatan lil ‘alamin).

3.5. The ideology and worldview as adopted and practised by the West is seemingly incapable of bringing harmony upon the world and humanity to the extent that one by one, their political, economic and social aspects have already marked their way to downfall. We should seize this opportunity and take up the responsibility to introduce the Islamic solutions to mankind.

3.6. Islam has to be elevated so that it is established within the state’s policies and administrative systems. Replacing one leader with another remains amiss if the state’s policies and administrative systems are still plagued by misleading ignorance and corrupt practices.

Dear brothers and sisters,

4. MATURED AND HARMONIOUS POLITICAL CULTURE

4.1. PAS has been inspired by the themes of ‘consensus’ and ‘cooperation’ which have mentioned and elaborated several times in the Al-Quran. In Malaysia, PAS is applying a political culture that is based on the maturity in decision-making and action-taking in line with the reality of today’s society. The aim is to protect the welfare of the people, retain prosperity of the country and on top of all, to attain pleasure of Allah.

4.2. Allah s.w.t says:

وَلَا تَسْتَوِى ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُۥ عَدَٰوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ

But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].

(Al-Fussilat 41 : 34-35)

4.3 Through this political culture of maturity and harmony, we PAS Youth Wing have conducted a series of discussions with various parties including the government ministries, departments and agencies to propose suggestions and solutions to any arising problems or issues. Additionally, we also collaborate with political parties and non-governmental organisations in realizing this sacred mission. Besides, we are focusing on two (2) main issues faced by the young generation in Malaysia namely the issues of housing and education.

4.4 Such engagements and collaboration are to realize the establishment of a society and government in our country that illuminates values of Islam whereby its governance manifests towards Allah’s pleasure. We hope that such good culture and practices can be further propagated to other countries.

784e821c-79a9-48ec-bc1d-e9183a6d594f (1)Dear brothers and sisters,

5. PRIVATE BILL TO AMEND ACT 355

5.1 In May 2016, our President, Sheikh Abdul Hadi Awang was granted the permission to present a private bill for the amendment of Syariah Court Act (Act 355) in the Parliament of Malaysia. Such amendment is to allow the punishment imposed for several syariah criminal offences to be aligned with the Islamic Syariah.

5.2 The successful presentation was a result of collaborative approach and mature political culture. This can elevate the status of Islam and maintain unity among Muslims.

5.3 As the debate on this bill will take place in October, PAS would like to humbly request for your support towards this endeavor and we pray that Allah will open the hearts of Malaysian Muslim and Non-Muslim Members of Parliament to back the proposed amendment.

My dear brothers and sisters,

6. LIBERATION OF PALESTINE, MANIFESTATION OF SUCCESS OF ISLAM

6.1. Muslims and Islamic movements must unite in facing against our real enemy that is Zionism which has been exploiting the Jews, the Christians, the leaders and countries among the superpowers. The Zionist troops are the ones responsible in causing damage to humanitarian values and disruption to peace especially in Muslim countries.

6.2. The agenda for liberation of Palestine and Masjidil Aqsa should be the key manifestation of consensus among Islamic movements since there resides in its land the history and future of Muslims.

6.3 Once the Muslims are mindfully united, our ambition to gather in that land and pray in its mosque will certainly come true. Allah curses and puts His wrath onto the hostile enemies of Islam.

My dear brothers and sisters,

7 CONCLUSION

7.1. Once again, I would like to say thank you very much to the International Youth Forum. We are extremely confident, with close collaboration and cooperation, we will together build our nations and ummah based the principles of Islam.

7.2. Believe me, future generations will attend this same forum and gathering, our names will be recorded in history with our previous leaders, as Islamic activist and fighters that have made enormous efforts in developing the ummah and establishing Islam as the core to this success. The rest of the world will definitely then witness and testify to the beuty of Islam and greatness of Allah.

Believe me brothers and sisters!
Allahuakbar!

Thank you.