MUSLIMS must embrace new fields of knowledge, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and digitalisation, while remaining firmly rooted in faith, ethics and Islamic values, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said the reform of the Muslim community must go beyond attending religious gatherings and be translated into the pursuit of knowledge, character building and a commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.
“Therefore, efforts towards reform must go beyond attending gatherings such as this by appreciating the wisdom of the Quran, while having the courage to master new fields of knowledge, including artificial intelligence, anchored in firm faith and noble character,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
Anwar said mastering AI and other emerging technologies was now a necessity, warning that Muslims who neglected new fields of knowledge risked falling behind.
“What must we master? My answer is that it is a necessity. A community that abandons artificial intelligence as a new field of knowledge will fall behind. But our understanding of AI does not necessarily have to involve simply copying or taking wholesale from foreign countries,” he said.
He added the challenge was to harness new technologies while ensuring they remained rooted in Islamic values.
“The challenge is how we use new knowledge and technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, while remaining rooted in our faith, ethics and character,” he said when officiating the National Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Anwar stressed that the pursuit of technological advancement and new knowledge must not come at the expense of faith, ethics and character.
“Our values must be defended. We must not allow our desire for change or our pursuit of new knowledge to cause us to abandon the principles of faith and ethics, or allow our character as good Muslims to be sidelined,” he said.
He also said Islamic outreach must be driven by compassion and mercy rather than a desire to display intellectual superiority.
“Islamic outreach, including through a gathering such as tonight’s, must be driven by a spirit of compassion and love, not by showing off our intelligence or knowledge,” he said.
Anwar said the spirit of mercy should also be reflected through a more thoughtful approach, including a willingness to negotiate, discuss issues and listen to different views.
He said Quran-related programmes should not stop at recitation and memorisation, but should aim to bring Muslims closer to the Quran through reading, studying, understanding, memorising, implementing and internalising its teachings.
“What is our objective? To bring people closer to the Quran — closer in the sense of reading, studying, understanding, memorising, implementing and internalising it,” he said.
Anwar said internalising Quranic teachings was essential to producing a generation capable of overcoming complacency, weakness and indolence.
In a separate Facebook post, he said he and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, had attended the 66th International Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony for 1448 Hijri/2026.
He expressed his appreciation to the judges and participants from various countries who contributed to the success of the event.
Anwar also highlighted a question raised by Sambas scholar Sheikh Muhammad Basyuni Imran to Sayyid Rashid Rida in 1929 about the reasons behind the decline of Muslims. The question was subsequently addressed by Amir Shakib Arsalan in a work published in 1930.
He said the question remained relevant today, with the resurgence of Muslims requiring renewal in knowledge and conduct, as well as a deeper understanding of religion that translated into action and responsibility.
“The question continues to challenge us today. The resurgence of Muslims requires renewal in knowledge and conduct, as well as an understanding of religion that drives action and responsibility,” he said.
He said the issue had been linked to weaknesses in knowledge, the erosion of moral values and a loss of courage and determination.
Anwar said Malaysia must produce a Quranic generation whose hearts were connected to God, who were committed to pursuing knowledge and who brought compassion and mercy to their Islamic outreach.
“This is the unique Quranic generation we want to produce — one whose heart is connected to God, which diligently pursues knowledge and brings mercy to its outreach.
“Rooted in the Islamic intellectual heritage and guided by the wisdom and manners of scholars and intellectuals, this generation must be capable of translating the guidance of the Quran to address the challenges of life and advance the Muslim community,” he said.
He also cited Surah Al-Imran, verse 159, which emphasises gentleness, forgiveness, seeking forgiveness and consultation in dealing with matters of life. - October 7, 2026
