By Shaireza Jaafar
GOMBAK, 25 October 2023: The School of Islamic Thought Malaysia (SKIL) collaborated with the Secretariat of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion IIUM (UDCY) in organising a book discussion of the latest work by Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, “Islam: The Covenant Fulfilled” on 22 October 2023 at Human Science Dry Area, IIUM.
The event was part of the “usrah” session, Skilophilia, that was initiated by SKIL as a space for students to exchange viewpoints regarding religious elements that will break down any enigmatic aspects that arise.
On its official Linktree account, SKIL is mentioned as a Society of Islamic Thought in Malaysia founded and registered in 2016 by passionate students from the Centre for Foundation Studies IIUM (CFS) as a society for exchanging ideas.
When asked about the importance of the discussion, the Executive Secretary of the International Institute of Islamic Thought Malaysia (IIIT), Hilman Fikri Azma commented, “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 devotion to the cultivation of knowledge.”
The President of UDCY, Khubaib bin Huda 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 (as).”
He also highlighted 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 religion.
“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 Muslims to live their life in accordance with the true meaning of Islam and to better understand the core of their faith,” said Hilman Fikri Azman.
When asked about why this discussion is beneficial, 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 as only via knowledge we can we build a more harmonious society.”
The book discussion ended with a Question-and-Answer session and a token of appreciation for the members.***
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