Empower Youth To Uphold Islamic Identity - Kedah Tokoh Maal Hijrah

ALOR SETAR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Former National Mosque Grand Imam and Kedah Tokoh Maal Hijrah 2024, Datuk Taib Azamudden Md Taib, said the younger generation needs to be empowered to become true Muslims with a strong sense of identity.

He said that reinforcing morals and self-identity would cultivate virtue and patience in the face of adversity, thus preventing actions that are forbidden in Islam.

“No matter what hardships we encounter, we must maintain our identity in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“We should not lose our identity, morals, faith and manners as Muslims as it would be harmful to ourselves,” he told reporters after the state-level Maal Hijrah 1446H celebration here today.

During the event, the Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah presented the Tokoh Maal Hijrah Award to Taib Azamudden, 74, who also received RM15,000 in cash and a certificate.

Taib Azamudden began his career as assistant director of the Dakwah Institute, Islamic Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department from 1977 to 1980 after completing his studies at Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

He later served as Qariah Management director at the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department from 1981 to 1982 before being appointed Imam 1 of the National Mosque (1985-1992) and subsequently the Grand Imam (1992-1999).

After retiring from public service, he entered politics and was elected the Baling Member of Parliament for two terms, from 1999 to 2004 and 2008 to 2013.

He is currently the board of directors chairman of Maahad Tarbiah Haraki An-Nur, Kuala Ketil, Baling.

-- BERNAMA