Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he is not biased because he often refers to renowned scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and the works of the Islamic thinker, even during his younger days.
In fact, Anwar said the scholarly analysis of Yusuf Al-Qaradawi (above) of various aspects of moderation in thinking, actions, understanding, and the lives of Muslims in the economic and social spheres, had a profound impact on his life.
“His (Yusuf Al-Qaradawi) strength is that he was able to draw knowledge from histories and treasures of the past and applied it in the present time.
“The way he analysed (a topic) is quite intriguing and his analysis usually goes beyond the scope (of the topic).”
Anwar said this at today’s launch of the Egyption-born Islamic scholar’s autobiography titled ‘Syeikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Sebuah Autobiografi: Sang Pelita Umat’ in Kuala Lumpur today.
The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s son Mohammad Al-Qaradawi.
The prime minister said Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s famous book ‘Fiqh Az-Zakat’ (Jurisprudence of Zakat), for example, was dubbed the world’s finest work that covers every aspect of zakat (tithe) in great detail and deeply explores the importance of zakat as a cornerstone of the Muslim community in helping the needy.
He said the book also addresses the importance of good governance and economic management in addressing poverty.
“His analysis not only touches our hearts but also captivates the interests of young people, inspiring them with the spirit and strength to bring about changes,” he said.
On a personal level, Anwar also recalled how the scholar was always there for him and his family, always with words of encouragement during their difficult times.
“He was an intellectual giant towering over other scholars in the world of knowledge, but he considered us as friends. In certain matters, we asked him for guidance, sometimes he also sought our opinions.
“His care and concern for us, for my life, my wife Azizah (Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) and our children, were unwavering. He was like a pillar of strength that is always there,” he said.
Meanwhile, the autobiography, originally written in Arabic, revolves around the life of the Egyptian-born scholar from his early childhood engaging in Quranic studies, his schooling years (from Madrasah Diniyyah to Aliyah), and his college life until the completion of his post-graduate studies.
Throughout his life, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi authored over 120 books, including on Islamic jurisprudence, and received numerous international prizes for his contributions to the Islamic world.
For his contributions, the Malaysian government also conferred him with the Tokoh Maal Hijrah award in 2009.
Yusuf Al-Qaradawi died on Sept 26 last year at the age of 96.
- Bernama
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