By Shaireza Jaafar
Edited by Siti Nur Najihah
GOMBAK, 22 October 2023: The School of Islamic Thought Malaysia (SKIL) has collaborated with the Secretariat of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion IIUM (UDCY) to discuss the latest work by Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, “Islam: The Covenant Fulfilled” on 22nd October in the Human Sciences Dry Area of IIUM Gombak.
The book discussion is roofed under Skilophilia, an “usrah” session initiated by SKIL as a safe space for students to exhibit critical thinking, expressing and exchanging viewpoints regarding religious elements that will break down any enigmatic aspects that arise.
On its official Linktree account, SKIL is a Society of Islamic Thought in Malaysia founded in 2016 by the unwavering passion of students from the Centre for Foundation Studies IIUM (CFS) in Petaling Jaya as a place to indulge in contributing ideas which then legally authorised under the Registration of Society Malaysia (ROS).
In asking about the importance of the discussion, “it is salient to bring into prominence the influence of Professor Al-Attas as both an intellectual and futurist by unveiling his works as a testament of his persistent devotion, which contributes to the cultivation of knowledge,” said Hilman Fikri Azman, the executive secretary of International Institute of Islamic Thought Malaysia (IIIT).
Khubaib bin Huda, the President of UDCY, explained that “Professor Al-Attas’ latest book, “Islam: The Covenant Fulfilled,” alludes to the two Covenants, one the Covenant of the Children of Adam and their descendants, acknowledging God’s lordship, and another with the Prophets including Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa.”
He also highlighted some of the important elements, such as the notion of submission to religion in Islam and how it contradicts non-religious beliefs, the notion of religious pluralism, and the notion of the transcendent unity of religions.
“Religious pluralism and the transcendent unity of religions are what this book is against as both of these demonstrate the juxtaposition of ideas to the true essence of Islam,” he added.
“It is undeniable that by diving deep into Professor Al-Attas’ works, we can see there is a flow of information that acts as a compass for scholars and a love letter for Muslims to live their life in accordance with the true meaning of Islam, which in the end aid them to understand the core of their faith better,” said Hilman Fikri Azman.
In asking about why this discussion is beneficial, one of the participants, Syed Abdul Kadir bin Syed Ali expressed that “it all comes back to the intention of an individual, as a student and as a Muslim, it is an obligation to seek knowledge and to use it to the most as only via knowledge we can help each other and build a more harmonious society.”
The book discussion ended with Q&A sessions from the participants and a token of appreciation for the active members.***
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