FORMER MELAKA MUFTI DATUK RASHID REDZA DIES AT 76

MELAKA, March 24 (Bernama) -- Former Melaka Mufti, Datuk Rashid Redza Md Salleh, passed away around 4 am today at his residence in Kampung Solok Gaung due to old age.

Former Melaka Mufti Datuk Halim Tawil confirmed the news, describing the passing of the 76-year-old religious scholar as a significant loss for the state.

The late cleric’s second son, Ahmad Fathi Rashid Redza, 39, said his father’s death was a profound loss not only for the family but also for the Muslim community in Melaka.

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“Our family accepts his passing with patience. He was a man of strong principles, yet deeply compassionate, always emphasising the importance of religion in our lives,” he said when met at the family home today.

The funeral prayers are expected to be held at Masjid Al-Khairiyah, Ayer Molek, and he will be laid to rest at the Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim cemetery in Ayer Molek, before the Zohor prayers.

The late Rashid Redza is survived by his wife, Datin Zoriah Mohamad, 68, and their five children.

Born on Sept 22, 1950, in Kampung Chinchin, Jasin, he was a highly respected religious scholar who served as Melaka’s Mufti for 15 years, from Dec 6, 1996, to 2011.

During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening Islamic institutions and providing authoritative guidance on syariah matters across the state.

He earned his degree in syariah from Al-Azhar University in Egypt and pursued further studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) before beginning his career in Islamic administration in Melaka in 1982.

In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was honoured as the Tokoh Maal Hijrah for the state of Melaka in 2011.

-- BERNAMA