[VIDEO] Lens KL: Islam in the city – Ustaz Asmawi

ACCORDING to the historical record, Islam was first introduced to the region that makes up modern Malaysia in the 15th century – in the present day, 63.5% of the population practices Islam in a multi-confessional nation, instituting Islam as the "religion of the Federation" to signify its importance to Malaysian society. 

The Malaysian constitution makes it a secular country and guarantees freedom of religion, allowing for other beliefs – 18.7% Buddhist, 9.1% Christian, 6.1% Hindu and 2.7% accounted for by other faiths which includes Sikhism, the Baha'i faith and more. 

However, since Kuala Lumpur became a Federal Territory on February 1, 1972, it has since become the fastest growing metropolitan area of the country with the highest population, with Islam accounting for 46.4% of its residents. 

Consequently, Islam is one of the benchmarks for development, economics, and multiculturalism. 

In conjunction with celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year, The Vibes Culture and Lifestyle presents a special series to show the many colours and shades of Kuala Lumpur, with a special interview with Yayasan Prihatin Nasional (Prihatin) Board of Trustees Datuk Tuan Asmawi Tuan Umar on Islam in the city. 

“If we look at it in terms of development today, the progress of Islamic affairs in the federal territory is quite overwhelming since pre and post of the establishment of the Federal Territory with the existence of Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP),” he told The Vibes. 

Asmawi – known as ‘Ustaz Asmawi’ – emphasised that it was through MAIWP that the Muslim community from the underprivileged classes in the city could enhance their livelihoods, in particular the education sector through distribution of zakat. 

He also expresses that Kuala Lumpur holds a ‘special recipe’ in establishing and advocating unity in diversity. 

“The existence of Christians, Buddhists, Taoism, and other religions, we can have religious cohesiveness. 

“The non-Muslims: they already understand that there is no prejudice on the zakat funds. It is from the Muslim community and however expenses are made, there is no issues that arises (from them actually). 

“Living in Malaysia, living in Kuala Lumpur – intercultural is one, it is unique. Uniqueness of Malaysia,” he asserts. 

Yet, in this day and age, even with developed infrastructure and innovative government policies, Ustaz Asmawi is of the opinion that the city is somewhat backdated – in the sense that some Islamic practices are put in a bad light when some quarters take matters into their own hands.

“The issue of nabbing non-fasting people and placing them into this hearse and bathing them like the dead – ‘mandi jenazahkan mereka’ during the holy month of Ramadan is rather an immature act nowadays that will probably cause revenge, personal grudges against the government, against the religious departments – it's as if we don't have stern actions in legal matters to act. 

“Frankly, there is no law on this earth that can make better human beings. However, what can make better human beings is awareness,” he reiterates, adding that authorities must look at it from the angle of fair-mindedness. 

By doing so, it will prevent the society from looking at those in power and authorities as acting reckless and arbitrarily. 

Nevertheless, Ustaz Asmawi also commented on a handful of people who acted in a vindictive manner by challenging the Islamic values as stated in the Quran, by inciting and questioning why Muslims should fast. 

“If they are wanting to go to hell, they are more than welcome – please go right ahead but do not instigate others.  

“Fasting (Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam, do not mock it,” he warns. – The Vibes, May 29, 2022 

* This article is part of a series of content produced for Lens KL, The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle’s fortnightly series that sheds light on the past, present and future aspirations of Kuala Lumpur.