Latest news with #Nazrin
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Sultan Nazrin: Habitat destruction a grave sin in Islam
IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has issued a stark warning that the increasing presence of wild animals in human-populated areas signals a deeper environmental crisis, the intrusion and destruction of their natural habitats. "When wild animals begin approaching human settlements, it is a sign that their habitats have been disturbed and encroached upon. "Destroying habitats and endangering the lives of other creatures is regarded in Islam as a grave sin, and those who commit such acts are condemned," he said in his speech at the state-level Maal Hijrah 1447 celebration, themed Migration and Sustainability: Uniting the Muslim Community, Preserving the Earth at the Casuarina @ Meru Hotel here, tonight. Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim; Raja Di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Sultan Nazrin said Islam firmly prohibits all forms of pollution that harm the environment. A damaged ecosystem, he said, not only affects humankind but also disrupts the balance of the entire natural world, leading to disaster and danger. "It is profoundly irresponsible for individuals, whom Allah has blessed with intellect and reason, to knowingly choose the path of destruction. "Let us reflect. Let us awaken. The worsening disasters afflicting our earth are the result of human transgression by those who are ungrateful, who overstep boundaries, defy divine commands, and violate the rights of fellow creations. "It is a collective sin that breeds imbalance and suffering. Every individual, and every stratum of society, bears the shared responsibility (fard kifayah) to ensure a balanced approach to development, one that does not come at the expense of environmental preservation. "A just and sustainable future must be founded on harmony between progress and the protection of the natural world," he said. He said this year's Maal Hijrah theme reflects an awakening to the reality that the Earth is a divine trust to be safeguarded and handed down to future generations. Sultan Nazrin added that the world is facing a series of environmental phenomena that have triggered widespread disasters, endangering both human well-being and the sustainability of our planet. He said the growing population, rising urban density, land clearing for new settlements, infrastructure development, urban expansion, and industrial activity have all directly impacted the natural environment. "These developments should serve as a wake-up call, urging all sectors of society to come together in addressing the escalating environmental crisis. "Islam, as a comprehensive and holistic way of life, places great emphasis on the protection of the environment and regards efforts to preserve it as an act of worship," he said. Sultan Nazrin said the Earth is home not only to humankind but to countless creatures - animals, birds, marine life, plants, and natural resources - all part of a divinely designed ecosystem. "When natural habitats are destroyed, the consequences ripple outward. The encroachment of wild animals into human settlements often signals serious ecological imbalance," he said. He added that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not present faith as mere ritual; rather, he lived as a model of compassion for all living beings and called upon the Muslim community to care for the Earth and preserve its balance. "He taught that humanity and nature are intimately connected, when the Earth is harmed, we all suffer. Therefore, to care for the Earth is to fulfil a spiritual obligation, a visible expression of devotion to the Creator," he said.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sultan Nazrin launches ZAPAR for zakat, endowment management in Perak
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has officially endorsed Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (ZAPAR) as the primary body for managing zakat and cash endowment collections in the state. The initiative, established by the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in zakat administration. Sultan Nazrin highlighted that ZAPAR represents a progressive step toward modernizing zakat services, making them more responsive to the needs of payers and beneficiaries. The digital platform will streamline collection and distribution processes, ensuring accuracy and structured data management. 'Through the digital platform, zakat collection can now be done more easily and quickly. Technological advances also help speed up the distribution process in a more targeted manner, with more accurate and structured information collection,' said Sultan Nazrin during the launch. The event was attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini. Sultan Nazrin emphasized the importance of adapting to contemporary trends, including digital transformation and organizational restructuring, to meet growing zakat collection demands. MAIPk, established in 1949, has seen significant growth in zakat collections, reaching RM26.3 million in 2004. The increase is attributed to heightened awareness among Muslims, improved income levels, government tax incentives, and enhanced management practices.
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sultan Nazrin launches Zapar to strengthen Perak's zakat system
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today launched Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (Zapar), a wholly owned subsidiary under the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), designed to elevate the state's zakat operations. Sultan Nazrin said the formation of Zapar marks a significant step in MAIPk's strategic transformation, in response to increasing zakat collection trends and the growing responsibilities associated with its management. "With zakat collections on the rise, it is both timely and necessary for MAIPk to embark on a bold transformation—reorganising its structure and fostering a more dynamic workplace culture. "At its 227th meeting on Jan 12, 2024, MAIPk resolved to enhance its zakat operations by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary. We have graciously consented to this proposal. "The establishment of Zapar is a strategic initiative designed to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability within the organisation — a dynamic step forward in delivering a more responsive and higher-calibre zakat collection service to contributors and the community," he said in his speech today. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini. Sultan Nazrin added that Zapar is expected to bring significant benefits to both the asnaf (zakat recipients) and the muzakki (zakat payers). "By emphasising effective, structured and digitally driven governance, Zapar will enable this Islamic institution to thrive in a contemporary landscape. With its digital platform, zakat payments can now be made swiftly and conveniently. "Furthermore, technology helps streamline the distribution process, ensuring that aid reaches the right recipients more quickly, supported by accurate and well-documented data," he said. He said Islam is not a religion that focuses solely on a person's relationship with Allah; it also guides and shapes how people connect and engage with one another. "It is a faith that inspires progress and growth — not only in spiritual matters but in material aspects of life as well. Islam advocates the courage to embrace change and transformation. "Hijrah, or migration, is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey — a willingness to move forward and continually improve ourselves. Those who resist or fear change risk being left behind. "Therefore, Islamic institutions must be dynamic and adaptable, keeping pace with the digital era and technological progress. That way, they will remain relevant, forward-looking and far from stagnant or outdated," he said. Sultan Nazrin also acknowledged the strong collaboration and commitment of all parties involved in the establishment of Zapar, and expressed his appreciation to those who played a key role in realising the initiative. Meanwhile, MAIPk chief executive officer Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh said Zapar would become the main platform for Muslims, companies and corporate institutions to fulfil their responsibility of paying zakat and to promote the culture of cash wakaf. "This approach is expected to significantly boost zakat collection and expand its benefits to the eligible asnaf (recipients). "Zapar will manage all matters related to zakat collection, while the distribution of zakat will continue to be fully handled by MAIPk," he said in a statement. Zapar board members are Prof Datuk Dr Ansary Ahmed (chairman), Prof Dr Mohamed Fairooz Abdul Khir, Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh, Wan Maizura Wan Zahari, Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil, Dr Roszy Non, and Abdul Khudus Mohd Naaim.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sultan Nazrin: Education, equity and inclusion key to better future
Strength in unity: Sultan Nazrin delivering the keynote address at ICCS 2025 in Singapore. — Bernama SINGAPORE: Efforts to realise a cohesive society are entrenched in four guiding principles of rebuilding trust, prioritising equity, embracing pluralism and bold imaginations, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. Delivering the keynote address at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025, the Perak Ruler said these principles were important in navigating unchartered challenges in the world today. Elaborating on the guidelines, Sultan Nazrin said in rebuilding trust, there was a need to reinvest in the social contract. 'We need transparent institutions, accountable leadership and civic spaces where people feel seen and heard. 'Rebuilding trust means investing in media literacy, digital integrity and honest communication – not just control.' On prioritising equity, Sultan Nazrin pointed out that social, economic and ecological justice must be at the heart of policy. 'We must expand our understanding of equity to include not only disparities among people, but also imbalances between people and planet. A just and resilient future means closing human gaps and healing our relationship with the planet.' Sultan Nazrin also stressed on the importance of embracing pluralism, saying social cohesion did not demand uniformity but required the respectful accommodation of the world's diverse cultures, religions, identities and origins, as well as social and political perspectives. 'It is about recognising human dignity and opportunity in accepting differences, reframing migration and rejecting fear-based politics. 'Trust in our shared humanity is fundamental. Compassion and love for your neighbour is a value taught by every major religion and philosophy, as represented here in our conference. 'And in our connected world it has never been easier to see people on the other side of the world as our neighbours too.' Sultan Nazrin also implored the audience to imagine boldly to strengthen the vision for the desired cohesion, with education as a tool. 'Resilience is about more than survival, it is about vision. Education must equip people to think critically and act ethically. Cities must be designed for inclusion. And policy must be guided by moral imagination.' Sultan Nazrin said three complex interlocking factors fuelled uncertainty and challenged social cohesion, namely digital transformation, dynamics of human migration and uneven economic impact of globalisation. 'The very technologies that promise inclusion can entrench exclusion. Our information ecosystems have become battlegrounds. 'Algorithms have the unfortunate habit of trapping us in digital echo chambers – feeding prejudice and starving nuance. This results in fragmentation, a kind of online tribalism. Information, while accessible, is becoming decentralised.' The ICCS this year focuses on the theme 'Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures,' which outlines conversations on multiculturalism and foundations of harmony in diversity.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sultan Nazrin outlines four principles for navigating uncertain times
SINGAPORE: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has outlined four guiding principles for the international community and governments to navigate increasingly complex and uncertain times. These principles encompass rebuilding trust, prioritising equity, embracing pluralism, and bold imagination. In his keynote address at the 3rd International Conference on Cohesive Societies, Sultan Nazrin said the world was being tested by an "overwhelming, sometimes frightening, interplay of conditions" that whip up a "perfect storm". Sultan Nazrin said further fuelling this uncertainty are digital transformation, the dynamics of human migration, and the uneven economic impacts of globalisation. "We live in the most connected era in human history. Over five billion people now have access to the internet. Digital platforms shape public discourse and private thought. However, this "relentless digitalisation" has led to digital spaces becoming battlefields as algorithms trap people in echo chambers, feeding prejudice, which results in fragmentation. He said this, in turn, leads to the rise in online hate, the spread of conspiracy theories, the propagation of extremist ideologies, and even violence, like the race riots in the United Kingdom last year. On migration, Sultan Nazrin said more people were migrating for various reasons, from climate change, conflict, and economic and political instability, at a faster rate than host countries can adapt. "Sudden demographic changes can trigger backlash, especially in communities that are unused to diversity. Extremist voices love to claim that multiculturalism has failed. Sultan Nazrin also spoke on inequality, with wealth and power heavily concentrated in the top 1 per cent, a situation that worsened during the pandemic. "So, what can we do as a global community? We must work together to find homes for those who have lost theirs and try to help alleviate the strain on countries that are overwhelmed. We must be welcoming to those we can accommodate. "And we must strive to tackle the root causes that drive people from their homes in the first place." At a national level, Sultan Nazrin said governments must work harder to foster inclusion and integration and to build harmony and understanding between diverse communities. Sultan Nazrin said social cohesion is built from the ground up, from small interactions and shared experiences. "What, then, is the core foundation to foster this trust? I believe a core foundation of social cohesion is to be a good neighbour." Four guiding principles On navigating the challenges, Sultan Nazrin spoke on the four principles he proposed. He said rebuilding trust requires reinvesting in social contracts through transparent institutions, accountable leadership, and civic spaces where people feel seen and heard. "Rebuilding trust means investing in media literacy, digital integrity, and honest communication, not just control." The second principle, prioritising equity, involves placing social, economic, and ecological justice at the heart of policy. Sultan Nazrin said embracing pluralism, the third principle, requires respectful accommodation of diverse culture, religion, identity and origin, as well as social and political perspectives. Lastly, Sultan Nazrin called for bold imagination in the form of vision. "Education must equip people to think critically and act ethically. Cities must be designed for inclusion. And policy must be guided by moral imagination." Sultan Nazrin said navigating "uncharted waters" demands resilience, reinvention, collaboration and collective courage. "Good leadership is not the art of prediction. It is the practice of moral clarity in the face of ambiguity. "It is the strength to hold space for difference without surrendering to division. It is, simply, to captain the ship – to steady the course in uncertain seas – and to ensure no one is left behind."
