KUCHING: Graduates of Islamic institutes are urged to not only be an expert in Islamic studies but to also master Science, Technology and Sociology.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said graduates who are experts in these fields are not only able to expand their views but could also assist the community in contributing to Islam, especially in this evolving technology era.

“Muslims have been given the opportunity not only to master Islamic studies but also Science, Technology and Sociology to make the Muslim community part of the development.

“This is a big task and cannot be done immediately but it is an urgent task so that we will not be confronted with conflicting views, especially when we do not have a basic concept between Islam and Science.

“Those who study Islam and those who are scientists, sociologists at one point of time might have conflicting views until people think that Islamic teaching is ancient, but Islam is supportive of scientific research that brings benefit to humankind. The Islamic view of technology and science is, thus, geared towards the purposes they advance, and is seen as parallel to Islam,” the Head of State said at the 17th Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (Ikmas) convocation ceremony at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here yesterday.

Taib encouraged intellectuals in Islamic studies to also be knowledgeable in Science, Technology and Sociology to help advance a humane society and civilisation.

On this matter, he said Sarawak Islamic Council (Mais) plays an important role in encouraging more engagements between Islamic intellectuals and scientists, technology and sociology experts.

“In Al Quran, there are a lot of teachings that we know on learning Science, parallel with our beliefs.

“Even now we see a lot of students learn about technology, they would want to know more about Islam and we hope they will see the big difference between Islamic history and other religions in this world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa in his speech advised the graduates to be reliable and wise preachers in spreading the values of Islam, and help develop the Muslim community in the country, especially in Sarawak, along Islamic values.

“These ideas bring aspirations and I hope this convocation is one of the frameworks to achieve this nation’s status as the state of grace. We hope that these aspirations will become a new policy in forming the future of Malaysia and has to be supported by all,” said Mujahid.

He added that these aspirations are a manifestation of the core principle of Islamic affairs management which is done in the framework of ‘Maqasid Syariah’ as a policy and direction of New Malaysia.

Among those who were present at the convocation ceremony for 52 graduates were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Jakim deputy director-general Datuk Paimuzi Yahya, Mais president Datu Misnu Taha, Ikmas director Dr Muhammad Yamin Ismail and Sarawak Mufti Datu Kipli Yassin.