The role of Islamic governance in promoting national peace and security: the case of Malaysia (2010-2020)

• Main Authors: Hosen, Md. Khaled, Mohamad Shukri, Syaza Farhana
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: JQ1758 Public Administration -Religious Aspects - Islam
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/100817/1/Program%20%28ICPCR%202022%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/100817/9/CERT%20ICPCR%20SYAZA.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/100817/15/100817_The%20role%20of%20Islamic%20governance.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/100817/

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country where maintaining peace and security is a top priority for the government. Allowing any form of violation and insecurity in society threatens political stability and national order. Considering these challenges, the Malaysian government adopted moderate policies such as Wasatiyyah, Maqasid Sharia, and Rahmatan Lil-Alamin to promote communal harmony and social peace. In line with government initiatives, Malaysia's religious institutions and Islamic bureaucrats are actively involved in peace and security enhancement. In this aspect, the role of the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), the Sharia courts, the Ulama, and Da’wa organization in social peace are mostly apparent. Therefore, a thorough investigation is necessary to determine how Islamic governance in Malaysia fosters national security and social peace. Contemporary literature endeavours to explain these issues in several manners. However, their explanations are limited and based on different perspectives. There is a need to understand how Islamic governance defines peace and security and how the religious administration in Malaysia is working towards that. This study aims to fill this literature gap. Data are gathered from primary and secondary sources using qualitative research techniques. Quran, hadith, government publications, websites, newspapers, and the opinion of experts are among the primary sources. The secondary data consists of credible academic books, articles, and journals. For the data analysis, the study initially explores the theoretical foundation of Islamic governance in promoting peace and security. Second, it presents the functional mechanism of Islamic administration in Malaysia. Third, it examines the government’s policies toward social peace and security. Fourth, it discusses the role of religious agents and institutions in Malaysia who are involved in peace and security management. And finally, it ends with analysing prevailing challenges and critical remarks. This research discovers that the Islamic governance in Malaysia plays a commendable role in promoting peace and security. The government policies are encouraging and timely. The religious institutions are attentively performing their assigned responsibilities. However, the policies and execution strategies need further improvements