Amanah launches essay competition to counter extreme Islamic views

Amanah today launched an essay competition aimed at countering extreme Islamic views in the country, themed 'Rahmatan lil alamin' (Islam as a blessing for all).

Its communications director Khalid Abdul Samad said they planned to adapt the works of winners into dramas, which would then be aired on television and published on social media to portray the image of moderate Islam.

"As what was touched upon by the (Amanah) president in his policy speech, one of the problems faced by our country and Muslims is the spread of extreme Islamic views, which are prone to create disparity and racial tension.

"Religious sentiment has also been used to pit the people against each other, and this is a worrying trend.

"Amanah has taken on the responsibility of addressing the spread of such views, whereby we want to tell the people that therahmatan lil alamin concept has more influence in shaping the mind of Muslims," he told reporters during a press conference at the side of Amanah's national convention in Ipoh, Perak today.

Countering extreme understandings of Islam

Khalid, who is the Federal Territories minister, said this was thus why Amanah decided to come up with the competition, which is open to all Malaysians, including non-Muslims.

He said participants are required to write their essay in Bahasa Melayu, and that it must be between 1,500 and 3,000 words and an original piece of work.

"We believe that this can be one of the workable actions to counter the extreme concept or understanding of Islam, and views that promote dispute and disparity.

"And chosen essays, not necessarily limited to the first or top three winners, will be studied and if we find that they have good storylines, we will adapt them into dramas. Because the more we have the better," he said.

The party is offering RM10,000 for the first prize, while RM8,000 and RM5,000 will be given as the second and third prizes respectively. There are also three consolation prizes of RM1,000 each.

Participants can submit their works by January 15, 2019, and are required to include their full name, MyKad number and address.

The competition is being organised by Amanah's communications bureau.  -Mkini