Maal Hijrah Lecture Series To Broaden Reach Of Islamic Figures’ Insights

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) will implement the Maal Hijrah Lecture Series as a new initiative to mainstream the insights of Islamic figures recognised at the national and international levels. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative was introduced to ensure that the thinking of Maal Hijrah figures is not confined to academic circles or certain groups, but is instead disseminated across all levels of society. 

“We cannot allow these figures and their thinking to remain within closed rooms or small circles. 

“Insya-Allah, we will mainstream and bring their thoughts closer to the people,” he said when officiating the Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026 Lecture Series by national and international Maal Hijrah figures here today. 

Zulkifli said the proposal has received positive feedback from religious affairs agencies and strategic partners, including Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). 

He said the collaboration will be expanded to involve more universities and institutions to ensure that the thinking of Maal Hijrah figures is widely shared with the public. 

“Pray that we may set in motion the wave of thought by Maal Hijrah figures to be appreciated not only by Muslims but also by non-Muslims. 

“This is because Islamic thought that is wasati (moderate), inclusive and compassionate is universal in nature, suitable for all times, eras, ideologies and current developments, including the challenges of the modern age,” he said. 

At the event, Zulkifli also paid tribute to IIUM rector, Emeritus Professor Osman Bakar, who received the national Maal Hijrah figure award, and Prof Sheikh Dr Ahmad Al-Raysuni, who received the international Maal Hijrah figure award. 

Yesterday, Osman and Ahmad Al-Raysuni, an Islamic jurisprudence expert from Morocco, were named the national and international Maal Hijrah figures at the national-level Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026 celebration at Masjid Putra.

The awards were presented by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who also presented cash prizes, trophies and certificates of appreciation to both recipients.

-- BERNAMA