1,500 YOUNG ASATIZAH GATHER FOR INAUGURAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,500 young ‘asatizah’ (Islamic religious teachers) from across the country gathered for the inaugural National Young Asatizah Assembly 2026 (HAMKA) held here as a platform for discourse, dialogue and interaction among youths to discuss the nation’s future.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the programme also served as a platform for young asatizah to discuss their role in enlightening society on the true understanding of Islam that was progressive, ‘wasatiyyah’ (moderate), dynamic, and based on the Quran.

“This programme marks the beginning of a new wave in the young asatizah movement. We will organise the Young Asatizah Assembly at the zone and state levels more aggressively this year, including throughout Ramadan,” he told reporters after officiating the programme today.

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He said a pro tem committee had also been established to coordinate the implementation of the programme nationwide, in line with the Rakan Masjid initiative.

Commenting on the Da’ie Madani programme, Zulkifli said the initiative was among the key drivers in empowering the role of young asatizah through skills training aimed at carrying out dakwah activities.

On the accreditation of asatizah, Zulkifli said it should be carried out in accordance with the law and with respect for the jurisdiction of the states.

“We want all these movements to be implemented in an orderly manner and based on existing legal provisions. This approach is important to ensure that efforts to strengthen the ecosystem of religious affairs receive support from various parties,” he said.

Commenting on debates on social media regarding the determination of the start of Ramadan and Aidilfitri, Zulkifli said they did not affect the role and credibility of the country’s ‘falak’ (Islamic astronomy) expertise.

He said Malaysia had the advantage of being an international reference in the field of falak, with local expertise at the forefront and recognised among the best.

“We should be proud of the expertise we have. Other countries also refer to us. Efforts by certain parties to debate this matter will not undermine the advantage we possess,” he said.

In another development, Zulkifli stated that the announcement regarding the Ujian Penilaian Kelas KAFA (UPKK) results would be made tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA