SHAH ALAM, 8 Oct: The Tokoh Pendakwah (Missionary Figure) 2013 described the development of Islam in Selangor under Pakatan Rakyat’s administration as amazing following its activeness in organising religious programmes in the state.
According to Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji, this situation is driven by the determination of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), the Mufti Department and all parties involved, in spreading the true understanding of Islam.
“Alhamdulillah (thank God), I have seen the development of Islam, especially in Selangor, over the past five years as being pretty good with programmes organised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), the Mufti Department and so on.
“Preaching and training efforts provided to new cadres are comprehensive programmes. In fact, they also have an action plan for the next five years, and what results we can achieve in the next 10 years (and), 20 years.
“Missionary programmes in Selangor which have been carried out are done so with a vision, not merely to meet requirements. I am overwhelmed and happy with this development,” said Shah Kirit who converted to Islam in 1996.
In addition, according to Shah Kirit, Selangor has also produced many young preachers from all walks of life from the Institutes of Higher Learning (IPT), Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and among new converts.
The recipient of the Tokoh Pendakwah Wanita (Woman Missionary Figure) award, Datin Aminah Zakaria said determined efforts from the State Government to increase Islamic programmes should be emulated by other states.
“I hope that the State Government will intensify efforts to educate the people of Selangor and I pray that all measures, expenses used by the State Government for missionary efforts will gain maximum reward from Allah and I ask Allah to receive all deeds by the administrators, the State Government, officers, employees and all of the people of Selangor, to be blessed by Allah,” she said.
At the Preachers Discussion Programme (Program Muzakarah Pendakwah) and the Selangor State Assistant Registrar of Marriages (Penolong Pendaftar Nikah Negeri Selangor) Programme, which was held here at the Silver Jubilee Hall at the State Secretary Building, three people received the Tokoh Pendakwah (Missionary Figure) award.
Shah Kirit, who has experience in preaching all over the world was the Da’wah Ambassador at SABA Islamic Media Sdn Bhd and he has previously received the National Maulidur Rasul (the Birth of the Messenger of Allah) Figure 2012 Award, the Muslim Brotherhood and Sisterhood Figure Award from the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) in 2010 and the Selangor State Our Maal Hijrah (a remembrance of the day Prophet Muhammad S.A.W migrated from Mecca to Madinah) Brotherhood Figure 2012 Award.
Aminah, who is also the President of the Association of Muslimah Ukkhuwwah, Malaysia (Salimah), is also well-known as a presenter of talks on ‘Fiqh Wanita’ on the Ikim FM radio station and several slots on guidance for women in the Al-Hidayah programme on TV3.
She is also frequently invited to deliver religious lectures around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brunei and Singapore.
Whereas the recipient of the Selangor Assistant Registrar of Marriages Figure (Tokoh Penolong Pendaftar Nikah Selangor) Award, Aziz Mahmood, is a former Senior Assistant at Sekolah Kebangsaan (National School) Seri Lanang.
He is also the Deputy Nazir (Inspector) at the At-Tawqwa Mosque at Pekan Banting, and is currently active as a lecturer for Haji (pilgrimage) courses.
These three figures each received a cash prize of RM10,000, certificates, trophies and a set of clothing which was presented by the Executive Councillor in charge of Islamic Affairs in the State of Selangor, Sallehin Mukhyi.
