Islam Hadhari

Islam Hadhari (Arabic الإسلام الحضاري) or "Civilizational Islam" is a theory of government based on the principles of Islam as derived from the Qur'an. It was originally founded by Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1957 (but under a different name)^{[citation needed]}, and has been promoted by the former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Introduction

Islam Hadhari should be viewed as the renewal of the old concept Islam Madani or Islam Hadhari as practised by the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the faithful companions of the prophet centuries ago. It should be viewed as the renewal of the old concept, in tandem to the modern era, so that the maxims of the teaching of Islam can help to solve the problems or dilemma of the Muslim ummah efficiently and effectively, in the new age of modernization (Ibrahim JCH, 2007).

In spite of that, its main principles, such as, believing and obeying (taqwa) towards Allah, fair and just government system, independence of soul (of the people), acquisition of knowledge, balance and comprehensive economic development, quality standard of life, protection of women’s rights and minority group, uphold morality and Ethics, and so on – are in accordance with the teaching of the Quran and Sunnah.

Islam Hadhari is not a new religion, or a new school of thought, as propounded or reflected by some antagonism. Islam Hadhari is also not a new sect. Islam Hadhari is an effort to bring Muslims to the basic fundamentals contained in the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith), which are the core orientation of Islam Hadhari. Islam Hadhari is true if interpreted and understood clearly, and should not be diverted or misunderstood in any way (Ibrahim JCH, 2007; Mohd Azizuddin, 2010).

As a government responsible for protecting the sanctity of Islam and Muslims without slipping ensure that faith can face the challenges and realities of the current, open the door to ijtihad so that interpretation can be associated with the inherited form and pattern of development according to time and from place to place. It should be reviewed various approaches and methodologies for streamlined to be more balanced and comprehensive, covering the development of infrastructure and economic development, strengthen the human development through a comprehensive education program, is complemented by the development program to instill spiritual values and values Islam in life (Mohd Azizuddin, 2010).

Defining Islam Hadhari

The word Islam Hadhari consists of two words, Islam + Hadhari = Islam Hadhari, which concisely means 'Islamic Civilization' or Civilization of Islam. Further contemplation of the concept Islam Hadhari needs one to dichotomize the word Islam and Hadhari. Essentially, Islam means: (Ibrahim JCH, 2007)

Literal meanings:

• From the root word salam, means, peace, tranquility. (Quran, Surah Al-Anfal 8:61)
• From the root word salam, means, submission, surrender, obedience, acknowledgement, approval, and the acceptance of Allah swt. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:208)

Technical meanings:

• Islam is a religion that stands for the complete submission and obedience to Allah swt in order to achieve real peace of body and mind. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 136; Mawdudi, 1992)
• Islam is a divine religion (Quran, Surah Ash-Shaff 61:9), Islam is a religion of all Prophets. (Quran, Surah Al-Imran 3:84 & Al-Baqarah 2:136)

And essentially, the word Hadhari means: (Ibrahim JCH, 2007)

• From the word hadhari or madani means township, city, urban, also means modern, contemporary.
• From the word hadhaari or hadhariyah means civilization, that is civilization that follows the teaching of Islam.

Thus, in essence, the word Islam Hadhari concisely refers to Islamic Civilization or Civilization of Islam. Hence, Islamic Civilization demands its followers to be the best of example for mankind, to other Muslim, and also to non-Muslim.

- ‘You are the best of nation (people) evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah.’ (Quran, Surah Al-Imran 3:110)

The Arabic word حضارة ḥaḍāra (from which "Hadhari" is derived) refers to both "civilization" and "settled life" or "sedentariness" (i.e. not being nomadic), so that the term Islam Hadhari implicitly contrasts itself with the Islam of nomads or bedouin.

Principles of Islam Hadhari

It consists of 10 fundamental principles.

• Faith and piety in Allah
• Just and trustworthy government
• Freedom and independence to the people
• Mastery of knowledge
• Balanced and comprehensive economic development
• Good quality of life for all
• Protection of the rights of minority groups and women
• Cultural and moral integrity
• Protection of the environment
• A strong defence policy

Thus, Islam Hadhari calls for Muslim to be progressive, modern and dynamic (in thinking and practice), which essentially encompasses the sphere of economy, politics, social, cultural, educational, defense, astronomy, astrology, and so on, to the exploration of space (if the needs arise). Yet, Muslims are taught to be moderate in their behavior and attitude, such that they should not indulge in excessive actions (or extremism) in their zeal to be the best of example for mankind - ‘Moderation in behavior and attitude, yet dynamic and progressive in thinking and practice.’ (Ibrahim JCH, 2007).

- 'Thus, We have made of you an ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnessed unto others...’ (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143)

References

• Abdur Rahman I.Doi. (1984). Shariah: The Islamic Law. Kuala Lumpur: A.S.Noordeen.
• Association of Muslim Social Scientists. (1990). Islam and Development: Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Convention of the Association of Muslim Scientists. Indianapolis: The Association of Muslim Social Scientists, 1990.
• Jeong Chun Hai @Ibrahim, & Nor Fadzlina Nawi. (2007). Principles of Public Administration: An Introduction. Kuala Lumpur: Karisma Publications. ISBN 978-983-195-2532
• Jeong Chun Hai @Ibrahim. (2007). Fundamental of Development Administration. Selangor: Scholar Press. ISBN 978-967-504-5080
• Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani (2010). A comparative analysis of Asian values and Islam Hadhari in Malaysia . Jurnal Kemanusiaan ISSN 1675-1930.

External links

Official Malaysian Government Websites

• Islam Hadhari (Malay)

Unofficial

• Islam Hadhari and Good Governance - a speech by the Prime Minister of Malaysia at the Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand (31 March 2005)
• Islam Hadhari: Concept and Prospect
• Islam Hadhari the Way Forward
• Islam Hadhari Threat to No Faith
• Ref: Sh. Mohamad Nadzir As Saghir.
• Changing the Muslim mindset by Zainah Anwar, New Straits Times, May 19, 2006
• Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani (2010). A comparative analysis of Asian values and Islam Hadhari in Malaysia . Jurnal Kemanusiaan ISSN 1675-1930.