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THE SULTAN of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today stressed the critical importance of combining Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) with Sufism (tasawuf) to cultivate Islamic scholars who are well-rounded in both religious knowledge and ethical conduct.
His Royal Highness said that both fields of knowledge must work in harmony to create scholars who are not only deeply knowledgeable in religious teachings but also embody strong moral values.
Sultan Nazrin cited the wisdom of Imam Malik bin Anas, who advised that a scholar who studies Fiqh without Tasawuf risks falling into sin, while one who learns Tasawuf without Fiqh may veer into heresy.
However, those who master both sciences attain the highest and most comprehensive understanding.
Sultan Nazrin delivered these remarks during the opening of the "Muzakarah Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah," which focused on the theme, ‘Empowering the Integration Between Fiqh and Sufism’.
The event was graced by the presence of Perak's Raja Muda, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Idris Shah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Zahidi Wan The, Bernama reported.
Sultan Nazrin noted that Imam Malik's statement accurately underscores the necessity of integrating both Fiqh and Tasawuf to produce scholars who are not only legally adept but also spiritually grounded.
The Sultan explained that Fiqh provides a wide-ranging legal framework, governing acts of worship, transactions, family law, criminal law, and other aspects of life. ‘
In addition, it is crucial in preserving worship, moral values, and maintaining social and political order. However, he pointed out that in today’s world, legal systems alone are insufficient to address societal issues.
He reflected on the many fractures and ailments afflicting society, emphasising that the root cause of global moral decay and social unrest lies not in a lack of laws but in the erosion of ethical conduct. The Sultan highlighted the prevalence of fraud, corruption, abuse of power, oppression, violence, and wars, which continue to escalate because individuals, intoxicated by power, believe they can manipulate laws and dominate others without fear of consequences.
Sultan Nazrin warned that laws are being disregarded, manipulated, and mocked by those who feel they are above the law, without any concern for divine retribution or the afterlife.
He further lamented that the marginalization of Tasawuf education in modern curricula has left humanity spiritually barren, likening the state of society to trees deprived of water.
The Sultan expressed concern that the ummah has abandoned spirituality, succumbing to materialism and worldly pursuits. He also noted the rise of movements opposing Tasawuf, which has led to a generation lacking in etiquette and respect, openly challenging authorities and defying social norms.
Sultan Nazrin's speech called for a return to an integrated approach to Islamic learning, one that balances both legal knowledge and spiritual wisdom to heal the moral and social wounds of the present age. - February 25, 2025