PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged Malaysian Muslims to demonstrate Islamic values through their actions and achievements, saying the faith should serve as an exemplary model for society, including non-Muslims.
He said the challenge for the Muslim community was not merely to promote Islamic principles, but to embody them through good governance, excellence in education, professional integrity and responsible conduct.
“The challenge for the ummah today is how we can make Islam an example that can be emulated by the community and humanity as a whole,” he said.
“If one is an administrator, administer well; if a professor, teach well; if a student, study diligently... this means there is an effort towards improvement,” he added.
Anwar said Muslims must also demonstrate a willingness to embrace change while ensuring that the values they uphold translated into tangible improvements in society.
He was speaking when officiating the National-Level Maulidur Rasul SAW 1448H/2026 celebration themed ‘MADANI Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati’ in Serdang today.
Anwar said the responsibility of Muslims was particularly important in a multi-racial and multi-religious country such as Malaysia, where Islamic values should be reflected through conduct rather than reduced to matters of identity or rhetoric.
He stressed that noble Islamic principles should be practised consistently and become part of everyday life. “In practising it, it is not always complete or consistent with the core message. This is a reminder to us on how we can improve.”
Anwar also cautioned that the way Islam was presented could influence how others perceived the faith. “Sometimes the issue today is not that people are reluctant to accept Islam, but rather that people feel anxious with our tone. The problem lies not just with others, but with us as well.”
He said Muslims therefore needed to demonstrate the strength of Islam through compassion, knowledge, integrity, good administration and excellence, rather than simply expecting others to appreciate its values through words.
The Prime Minister said the message was particularly relevant to Malaysia, where Muslims have an important role in shaping the country’s social and institutional environment while living alongside communities of different faiths and backgrounds.
He also described the annual Maulidur Rasul celebration as an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, awareness and commitment to improving themselves.
“This celebration only carries true meaning if it instils spirit and awareness, enabling us after today to become better Muslims who set the finest example for humanity,” he said.
Anwar’s remarks place emphasis on a practical expression of Islam in Malaysian public life, with governance, education and personal conduct serving as areas where Muslims can demonstrate the faith’s values through measurable contributions to society. - August 25, 2026
