Mosques should expand on function, role: CM
Published on: Monday, April 15, 2024
Hajiji signing the Al-Falah Mosque inauguration plaque.
The State Government is very committed to programmes related to the development of Islamic teachings in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
For 2024, as much as RM131 million has been allocated for the development and operation of Islamic religious schools and mosques, as well as spiritual programmes under the supervision of the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains).
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“This is part of our efforts to continue to support programmes related to the development of dakwah, as well as improve the State’s Islamic teachings,” he said at the Al-Falah Mosque Opening Ceremony in Kapayan, Kota Kinabalu, on AprIL 6.
“These programmes related to Islamic development can be further strengthened with the solid support of Federal Government agencies such as the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), Islamic Economic Development Foundation of Malaysia (YaPEIM), Islamic Dakwah Foundation of Malaysia (Yadim) and other Islamic religious agencies,” he said.
Hajiji wants Jheains to always take proactive action and monitor the needs of mosques and suraus in the State, including the welfare and needs of imams and bilals, as an important pillar of mosque institutions.
“We want to ensure that their welfare and needs are always taken care of and given due attention.
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“God willing, the State Government will always monitor and make the best decisions to ensure that mosque institutions in this State can move effectively and brilliantly.”
Touching on the role of the mosque, the Chief Minister emphasised that it needs to be empowered in line with the modernisation that takes place so that it really works to develop people and society in a more progressive and highly civilised direction.
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He said several approaches should be taken and prioritised to make the mosque a centre of human development, especially in developing the Muslim community today.
He said among other things, the mosque should be turned into a centre of knowledge and Islamic activities by holding studies on fardhu ain and fardhu kifayah.
“In addition, the mosque should also organise other scientific classes such as computer lessons, science, mathematics and so on.
“In fact, the mosque should also be used as a centre for women’s, youth and children’s affairs, in addition to being an economic centre in the local community.
“In short, the mosque as a house of worship, its function and role should be expanded, so that the institution of the mosque can be fully used towards the progress and development of the ummah,” he said.
Hajiji said the development of the mosque institution is very important in developing society and Muslims, especially in the contemporary era which is increasingly challenging.
He said the relationship between the Muslim community and the mosque cannot be separated because the mosque has been the pillar and heart of the community’s activities since the time of the Prophet SAW.
The same is the case with mosque institutions that require the Muslim community to support them.
Touching on the Al-Falah Kapayan Mosque which was built in 2013, he said it was in addition to the existing mosques, such as At-Taqwa Mosque RTM, Nur Islam Mosque, Kepayan Police Headquarters, Assolihin Surau Austral Park and Istiqomah Surau in Olivia Park.
According to him, the construction of all the mosques is to meet the needs of the growing local population because the Kapayan and Penampang areas are the fastest growing due to their position in and on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu City.
Hajiji said credit should be given to the former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman because it was with his consent that the mosque was built as a gift to the Muslim community in Kapayan and the surrounding area.
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