Madinah Charter: Foundation For Islamic Governance - Sultan Nazrin

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 (Bernama) - The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, described the Madinah Charter, or the Constitution of Madinah, as a highly significant foundation for Islamic governance,  one that should be examined alongside the spirit embodied in the Federal Constitution.

His Royal Highness noted that the scenario and spirit behind the drafting of both constitutions reflect essential values such as unity, justice, cooperation among diverse communities, and recognition of the rule of law, all of which serve as crucial pillars in nation-building.

“The scenario and spirit behind the drafting of the Madinah Constitution can be used as an interesting comparative study with the scenario and spirit contained behind the drafting of the Federal Constitution,” said Sultan Nazrin when chairing the 73rd meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) here today.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is MKI deputy chairman, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and representatives of religious agencies nationwide.

Sultan Nazrin,  who is MKI Chairman, said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced a new dimension in governance when leading the city of Madinah, by making the principle of the rule of law as the foundation of administration through the drafting of the Madinah Charter.

His Royal Highness explained that even though Muslims were a minority in Madinah at the time, they were entrusted with the responsibility to govern based on the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who succeeded in forging cooperation and unity among the city’s diverse communities of various races, tribes, and religious beliefs.

"The first Islamic state in Madinah was established with the support of people of various races, tribes, tribes religious beliefs.

 “The Madinah Charter enshrined key principles of loyalty, cooperation, tolerance, mutual respect, and guarantees of justice and equal protection for all residents, regardless of their religion, race, or tribe,” said the Sultan.

Reflecting on Malaysia’s context, Sultan Nazrin said that the Federal Constitution, which was enacted during independence, also upheld similar principles, centred on constitutional government, parliamentary democracy and the spirit of consensus among Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society.

His Royal Highness expressed deep appreciation for the sincerity, wisdom, and leadership of the nation’s founding generation, particularly the late Tunku Abdul Rahman and his contemporaries, who succeeded in building a nation rooted in trust, integrity, and unity.

However, His Majesty expressed concern over the current tendency among Muslims and Malays to fall into a culture of division, disparagement, and mutual undermining.

“Today, the very source of strength of the ummah and the nation appears to be steadily eroding as Muslims and Malays increasingly compete to expose one another’s weaknesses, tarnishing each other’s reputation and engaging in actions that ultimately harm themselves.

“If this situation persists, Muslims and Malays will no longer require external enemies to damage the sanctity of Islam and tarnish the dignity of the nation,” said Sultan Nazrin.

-- BERNAMA