Thursday, July 31, 2008

THURSDAY-31 JULY 2008- HEDONISM AMONG SOCIAL ILLS: MINISTER

Hedonism among social ills: Minister

KOTA KINABALU:

The influence of hedonism, a culture based on infatuation, is among serious social problems involving youths today, according to Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, Datuk Nasir Bin Tun Haji. Those who are fanatical over their idols (artistes) need serious attention, he said. Several groups of youngsters calling themselves ‘Naughty Kids’ have adopted the culture of free sex, he said in a speech at the opening of a seminar on aqidah (faith) organised by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Sabah branch and Sabah Department of Islamic Affairs (JHEAINS) here yesterday. Nasir, whose speech was delivered by Datuk Hj Ag Sharin Bin Alimin, Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Department, said: “There is also a group of youngsters calling themselves Black Metal worshiping the devil (Satan). “Some Muslims, being influenced by a kind of new teachings, liberalism in Islam, wants the Al-Quran to be interpreted.” Muslims were therefore urged to equip themselves with the basic foundations of lslam to enable them to keep harmful influences at bay. Nasir said deep faith had enabled Prophet Muhammad and his Companions to propagate Islam in the face of tremendous challenges. He warned Muslims against being influenced by secular ideologies and liberalism, saying such beliefs, which want the Al-Quran to be reinterpreted, could undermine Muslims’ faith. Secular ideologies, he said, have also cast doubts among Muslims about Islam’s relevance and ability to solve modern problems. He also lamented the divisive influence of deviationist teachings such as those of ‘Ayah Pin’ and Khilaflah and the hedonistic practices of some young Muslims. Some 200 participants attended the seminar, which featured speakers such as Ustaz Mohd Shahrir Bin Mohammad of Gaya Teachers Institute, Professor Dr Abdul Aziz Bin Ban of International Islamic University Malaysia and Ustaz Bongsu Aziz Jaafar of UiTM Kota Kinabalu. Mohd Rizuan, 23, an intern from UMS, said he found the seminar very beneficial as it helped him to develop his identity.

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