Islam, Knowledge, Intellectuals, and Politics

Islam: The Chosen Faith

Islam, the religion accepted and favored by Allah, signifies that there are numerous religions created by humans. Allah is the One true God worthy of worship, contrasting the multitude of deities worshipped by people.

Knowledge: The Foundation of Truth

Knowledge is the understanding that distinguishes between truth (haqq) and falsehood (batil). The Quran, also known as Al-Furqan, serves as a criterion to differentiate between right and wrong. The journey of the Quran begins with “Iqra’,” meaning “read,” highlighting the significance of seeking knowledge.

Understanding Allah through His Signs

The verses (ayat) of Allah encompass:

• The Quran: The divine revelation.
• His Creations: Both visible and invisible, such as mathematics, science, etc.

The primary knowledge in religion is understanding Allah through His actions, attributes, and essence. Observing His actions alone is sufficient to recognize Allah.

Intellectuals: Bearers of Knowledge

An intellectual is someone with knowledge who can teach or impart wisdom. Prophets, as messengers of Allah, conveyed His teachings without compulsion. In Islam, there is no compulsion; individuals are free to accept or reject the teachings.

Politics: Governance and Administration

Politics involves the governance and administration of a country, where leaders are elected by the people. There are no intellectual or academic qualifications required for political participation. Leaders, regardless of their educational background, can influence public opinion. The success or failure of a political system depends on the knowledge and integrity of its leaders.

The Role of Knowledge in Success and Failure

Success and failure, progress and regression, clarity and confusion—all hinge on knowledge. Humans, endowed with intellect, are responsible for acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Allah ensures that every community has knowledgeable individuals, and prophets were sent with knowledge to guide those lacking it.

The Obligation of Knowledge

Those who cannot comprehend knowledge, such as the mentally incapacitated, are exempt from religious duties. Others are obligated to seek knowledge and spread it. In the realm of politics, the system of selection by voting implies that often, the majority might lack true understanding. Thus, the best candidate may not always win, and the unqualified may rise to power.

Evaluating Political Leadership

The true test of leadership in religion comes in the afterlife, while in politics, it is assessed at the end of a leader’s term. If a country progresses, the choice was right; if it regresses, the choice was wrong. Integrity in politics is often compromised due to self-interest, leading to a lack of genuine accountability.

The Decline of Malay Politics

Despite forming 70% of the population, the political downfall of Malays can be attributed to:

• Lack of Public Knowledge: Many political leaders discuss topics they barely understand, spreading misinformation.
• Influence and Feudalism: Leaders leverage their influence, exploiting the people’s lack of knowledge and deep-seated feudal loyalty.

The Battle of Knowledge

Politicians, driven by benefits, manipulate public opinion, often spreading falsehoods. Knowledgeable individuals, guided by moral and religious duty, strive to convey the truth but often face resistance. The intellectual battle is skewed as politicians, with their ability to influence, overshadow the voices of those with true knowledge.

Conclusion

The downfall of Malay politics is evident:

• Due to a lack of knowledge.
• Leaders lacking foresight.
• Power struggles taking precedence.
• Norms and values being compromised.

If the Malay community fails to:

• Master knowledge
• Change their mindset

The trend points towards complete collapse. It is imperative to prioritise knowledge and integrity to navigate towards a better future.