Dakwah Agenda Needs New Approach — Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Islamic-related agencies, arts practitioners, and radio and television broadcasters must adopt new, coordinated approaches to foster a more comprehensive understanding of Islam, including among non-Muslims, in the interest of national harmony.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan said dakwah efforts can no longer be complacent or limited to specific groups, but must be creatively expanded to digital platforms to reach wider segments of society, particularly the youth.

He said the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), through IKIMfm, should continue exploring innovative methods to deliver Islamic messages that educate, guide and entertain both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“In our plural society, understanding Islam is not only important for Muslims, but a reasonable level of knowledge and understanding of Islam among non-Muslims is also essential,” he said at the IKIMfm 25th Anniversary Celebration and the MADANI Mahabbah Campaign for Ramadan 1447H, held here today.

He also urged IKIMfm to play a more active role as a platform for disseminating Islamic messages that emphasise compassion, mercy (rahmah) and mutual understanding, in response to growing exposure to toxic influences on social media.

He added that dakwah approaches marked by anger and condemnation should be replaced with more measured, wisdom-based methods.

“That is what we are striving for and, God willing, I am optimistic we can achieve it, but it must be done collectively,” he said.

-- BERNAMA