[UPDATED] Don’t worry, Hadith module only for Muslims, assures Hui Ying

BATU PAHAT – The Education Ministry (MoE) is ready to meet with any party to discuss the confusion over the implementation of the 40 Imam Nawawi Hadith Appreciation Module in schools across the country.

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying said the confusion arose when several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) expressed their concerns over the matter, thus giving rise to various speculations.

She emphasised that the module will only be implemented for Muslim students and teachers, and not for those of other religions.

“So they (including NGOs) don’t need to worry, I understand their concerns, but we at the MoE are ready to meet and discuss if they have any related questions,” she was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“Everyone knows this Hadith 40 is only for students and teachers who are Muslim, we at the Education Ministry hope that this issue will not be magnified,” she told reporters here today.

In a statement last week, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) had expressed deep concern that the implementation of the module in national schools violates religious freedom as it espouses the complete Islamic system of life.

It said that Islam is the religion of the federation and this refers only to Islamic rituals and ceremonies.

“It does not include Islam as an all-embracing concept as it is normally understood as a comprehensive system of life,” it said.

It cited Article 12(2) of the federal constitution: “Every religious group has the right to establish and maintain institutions for the education of children in its own religion.”

Article 12(3) meanwhile states: “No person shall be required to receive instruction in or take part in any ceremony or act of worship of a religion other than his own”.

“Thus, the 40 Hadith can be taught in Islamic religious schools but in national schools, it may be unconstitutional to do so,” said MCCBCHST, stressing that the constitution “protects persons including students from taking instruction in any religion other than their own.”

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stated, in response to criticism by non-Muslim groups, that the module is intended only for Muslim teachers and students.

He said its introduction is to strengthen their understanding of Islam, especially among young people.

“The initiative is for Muslims, especially young people, because it is important for them to master and understand Islam… so non-Muslims should not misunderstand,” he had said.

In a statement that same day, the Education Ministry said that the module is aimed at fostering values of courtesy, love and strengthening religious understanding among Muslim teachers and students.

The implementation of the pilot programme for the module will involve 61 national religious schools and 228 aided religious schools nationwide. – The Vibes, August 27, 2023