Religious scholars must keep up with advances in science and technology, says Zulkifli

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Religious scholars need to broaden their knowledge by keeping abreast of developments in science, technology and geopolitics to ensure that the message of dakwah remains relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said mastery of contemporary knowledge must go hand in hand with the study of traditional Islamic knowledge and ‘turath’ (Islamic classical heritage) to enable religious scholars to understand global changes and address the challenges facing the ummah more comprehensively.

He said developments in areas such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing and superintelligence warranted attention because of their implications for cybersecurity, the economy and geopolitical competition.

“Quantum computing technology has the potential to break the security systems currently used in banking, communications, government and personal data,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also referred to developments in the United States, which has been paying attention to super intelligence technology, including an executive order titled ‘Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence’, signed by President Donald Trump on Sept 29.

Zulkifli said global technological and geopolitical developments required society, including religious scholars, to understand strategic issues and avoid becoming preoccupied with trivial matters and differences of opinion that offered little benefit.

He said post-quantum cryptography was also important in efforts to protect data from future threats posed by quantum computers, particularly in security systems used in the banking, communications and government sectors.

Meanwhile, he expressed gratitude that Malaysia had emerged as the only Asean country to achieve the highest level, Tier 1, in post-quantum cryptography migration readiness.

Zulkifli said an understanding of global issues and strategic thinking was important to ensure that religious scholars provided guidance with wisdom and firmness, and were able to address the challenges facing the ummah comprehensively.

“Science and technology must be mastered as tools to safeguard religious integrity, grounded in the values of ‘syarak’ (Islamic law),” he said.

In another development, Zulkifli stressed the importance of preserving bonds of friendship and brotherhood through dakwah and local arts and culture, referring to the recent reunion of members of rock band XPDC at a concert.

He said differences of opinion within society or organisations were normal and should not affect fraternal ties.

“The reunion is a beautiful manifestation of how differences of opinion are normal and should not tear apart the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among people,” he said.

He said artistic works could also serve as a medium to nurture the public’s soul and convey spiritual messages and lessons in life.

“Through songs such as Sedekah and Titian Perjalanan, as well as their anthem, Kita Peng Yu, they have demonstrated that art can educate the soul and encourage society to return to the values of goodness,” he said. — Bernama