From political pedigree to religious calling

 Fauwaz Fadzil, the youngest mufti in Malaysian history, recalls how his father Fadzil Noor shaped his life’s journey.

About 10 months into his role as mufti, Fauwaz Fadzil admits his life has become far busier than before.

PETALING JAYA:

 For Federal Territories mufti Fauwaz Fadzil, the arrival of Aidilfitri inevitably brings back vivid memories of his late father, former PAS president Fadzil Noor.

As a child, their home in Alor Setar would be bustling with visitors during the festive season. Fadzil, who was then the Pendang MP and opposition leader, was deeply involved in politics and Islamic outreach, making their house a frequent stop for well-wishers and supporters.

“During Raya, many people would come to the house. My father was a politician. Much of my memory of him is seeing how busy he was,” said Fauwaz, 45, in an interview with FMT.

“Many people have their own memories of my father, but for me, I mostly remember how occupied he was with his responsibilities.”

Now the youngest mufti in Malaysia’s history, Fauwaz said growing up in such an environment inevitably shaped the way he views responsibility towards society.

He described his father as not only a political leader but also a scholar with a deep grasp of both religion and politics, known for his open-minded and moderate outlook.

“My father was a scholar of both syariah and political thought. He understood religion deeply and studied under great scholars. Those who learn from great scholars usually develop a global outlook – they are not fanatical and tend to act with moderation.

“He also had a commanding presence, was a compelling speaker, and was fluent in both Malay and Arabic. He was forward-thinking and that’s one of the things I admire about him,” said the father of one.

Beyond his father’s influence, Fauwaz said, his thinking was also shaped by contemporary scholars such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi and his own teacher, Ali al-Qaradaghi.

According to him, their emphasis on civilisational thinking, a holistic worldview and an approach to religion that makes life easier for the community has greatly influenced how he approaches current issues.

Fauwaz said his father raised his children with a firm yet non-restrictive approach, allowing them space to think independently and to make their own choices.

Fadzil died in 2002 when Fauwaz was 21. The advice that has stayed with him the most, he said, was to always remain mindful of God and steadfast on the right path.

Fauwaz once aspired to become a writer, but eventually chose an academic path instead, pursuing shariah studies in Egypt for nearly a decade after leaving for the country at the age of 19.

Now, about 10 months into his role as mufti, he admits he has become far busier than before.

“These days I’m more involved in matters of the nation — the direction of our country and the future of the Muslim community,” he said. “I’m calmer and more cautious now than I was previously.

“In the past, perhaps I could just speak freely. Now my words may carry legal and public implications.

“Previously I could simply give an opinion, but now there are stakeholders involved – not because I’m afraid, but because I don’t want to cross ethical boundaries.”

He said the trust placed in him as mufti carries immense responsibility, as it involves religious matters on behalf of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and has implications for both society and the nation.

“I’m not only accountable in this world, but in the hereafter as well,” said Fauwaz, who has authored 35 books.

This year, he will celebrate Aidilfitri in Kuala Lumpur due to work commitments. If there is one thing he looks forward to at the festive table, it is familiar favourites – nasi tomato and ayam sambal, dishes he has loved since childhood. - FMT