The launching of Centre of Excellence for Fiqh al-Watan (Way of Homeland Life)

UCYP, in collaboration with the International Institute of Islamic Civilization (IIIC), launched the Centre of Excellence for Fiqh al-Watan on November 1, 2022. Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ahmad bin Hj Zainuddin, Vice-Chancellor of UCYP inspired the idea that later was enhanced by Associate Professor Dr. Amran Bin Muhammad, Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Civilization (IIIC). Associate Professor Dr. Amran Bin Muhammad is a well-known scholar in the field of Malay-Islamic civilization and culture and is frequently cited by many researchers.

The establishment of this center reflects UCYP’s concern over issues related to national sovereignty, harmony, and sustainability both at the state and national level. In addition, the center emphasizes a sociopolitical, economic, and environmental governance approach that considers local elements while not overlooking the current global needs. The Centre of Excellence for Fiqh al-Watan has introduced the theme “Appreciation of Sovereignty, Harmony, and Sustainability as the Core of Way of Homeland Life.” The half-day program also featured collaborations with the Islamic Council and Malay Customs of Pahang and the Pahang Museum. Almost 200 guests attended the event at the Main Hall of the Pahang State Foundation Complex in Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur.

His Royal Highness Tengku Panglima Raja Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Pro-Chancellor of UCYP and the Patron of the Centre of Excellence for Fiqh Al-Watan, graced this significant event. The event also received great support from distinguished guests such as the Chief Shariah Judge of Pahang, Yang Amat Arif Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Md. Yunos, Director of the Pahang State Museum Corporation, Yang Hormat Dato’ Ahmad Farid Bin Abdul Jalal, Religious Scholars and Preachers, Heads of Government Agencies, and Representatives of Higher Education Institutions.

Several notable figures have been lined up as Advising Members through the establishment of the Fiqh al-Watan Center of Excellence, which is hoped to become an administrative expertise hub for the state and country, including Sahibus Samahah Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Osman, the Mufti of Pahang; YH. Dato’ Ahmad Farid bin Abdul Jalal, Director of the Pahang State Museum Corporation; YBhg. Associate Professor Datuk Dr. Wan Ahmad Fauzi bin Hashim @ Wan Husain, YBhg. Associate Professor Dr. Khadijah binti Mohd Khambali @ Hambali, YBhg. Professor Datuk Dr. Shamrahayu binti Ab Aziz and YBhg. Mr. Khairuddin Bin Ismail. The Adjunct Professor, Sahibus Samahah Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Osman, explained in his opening speech that the goal of establishing the center is to create a center based on three main pillars: sovereignty, solidarity, and sustainability.

The Fiqh Al Watan Centre of Excellence is a platform for proposing strategies and action plans for implementing the Way of Life in the Homeland for the sake of the homeland’s stability, security, and prosperity. Furthermore, he outlined seven Fiqh al-Watan’s policies, including fostering love for the homeland; honoring faith and the Oneness of God in the homeland and the earth; obeying the Ruler of the Government and internalizing the Homeland Constitution; expressing loyalty to elements of the homeland; living a peaceful life in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society; developing and enriching the homeland and building a civilization of the Oneness of God.

UCYP and IIIC are grateful for the presence and assistance of the Pahang State Museum and the National Archives of Malaysia, Pahang throughout the programme. It is hoped that the initiative introduced by UCYP via the International Institute of Islamic Civilization (IIIC) will benefit the people of both Pahang and Malaysia.

Written by: Farah Hariaty Mohd Shukri