A few days ago PMX Anwar Ibrahim gave a speech at an event celebrating Malaysia’s very own Islamic Scholar of the highest esteem, YM Profesor DiRaja Terpuji Tan Sri Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas.

I may have many disagreement with how PMX manages certain political issues, I however would like to express my appreciation towards the mentioning of the Sufi poem by Farid ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds.

Growing up inheriting appreciation towards music, poetry and arts from my father, I have found myself to be deeply influenced by the Sufi Islam school of thought which throughout history, has shaped the culture and artistic impression of the various ethnic groups within the global decentralized Muslim world, imbuing and enhancing their ethnic cultures with Islamic elements.

This is why I am of the opinion that the Sufi school of thought is also an important ingredient towards realizing the Quranic verse of Al-Hujurat, 49:13

O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.

In our efforts to reinvigorate the Malay community and our cultural heritage, we should look to include prominent Malay artists and poets to help steer the discussion of revitalizing Malay culture.

One name off the top of my head is of course M. Nasir, who is also deeply influenced by Sufi Islam in his artistic work.

JAUHARI JOHAR
28th January 2025