Human Security in Islam

  1. ISLAM HADHARI: MALAYSIA’S APPROACH OF HUMAN SECURITY =======================================================

Islam Hadhari, or civilizational Islam emphasizes the need for balanced development, which covers both physical and spiritual development. This means Islam Hadhari emphasizes developing a thinking society, social harmony, and economic progress. It is an effort to bring theUmmah back to basics, back to the fundamentals, as prescribed in theQur’an (Muslims Hollybook) and theHadith (Prophets Muhammad pbuh words), that form the foundation of Islamic civilization. Islam Hadhari is merely an approach to foster an Islamic civilization built upon the noble values and ideals of Islam (Badawi 2006). It emphasizes development that is consistent with the tenets of Islam and that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for every citizen, regardless of his or her religion. Thus it suggests that Islam Hadhari is about empowering people or human security. This approach is also inspired by the Malaysian Muslims’ firm belief that the tide of radicalism and extremism can be checked and reversed with good governance, healthy democratic practices, and employment of the citizenry through education, as well as equitable sharing of the benefits of economic growth.

There are ten main principles, which Muslim nations and communities must demonstrate, namely, 1. Faith and piety in Allah; 2. A just and trustworthy government; 3. A free and independent people; 4. Mastery of knowledge; 5. Balanced and comprehensive economic development; 6. A good quality of life; 7. Protection of the rights of minority groups and women; 8. Cultural and moral integrity; 9. Protection of the environment; 10. Strong defenses

The main characteristics of Islam Hadhari are as follows:

Universality: It is based on Islam, a universal message for mankind that is based on mercy; Godliness: It is based on divine scripture and works on bringing people closer to their Lord. Hence, it is a godly end and means, and has a divine source and reference; Morality: Its ultimate concern is maintaining a good character and good human relations; Tolerance: Tolerance is essential to create a society based on peace, stability, unity, cooperation, and solidarity among all it segments and with all its different traditions and beliefs. This kind of tolerance is based on trying to genuinely understand the other and respect cultural and religious convictions (ibid.).

In addition , Islam Hadhari also presents:

Comprehensiveness: It integrates both scripture-based sciences and modern sciences. Another feature is its all encompassing program to deal with the individual, society, and the state.

Moderation: This is the main methodology for the perspective, which is based on gradualism and easiness in implementation. Through this implementation, there will be a balance between the interests of all - the individual and the society, spiritual and worldly needs, and ideals and reality.

Diversity: The context of Islam Hadhari is wide ranging; it covers a wide range of interests on different levels; it is open to new adjustments and to other human experiments and experiences

Humanity: As a call, Islam Hadhari is focused upon people.

It is clear that the Islam Hadhari concept contributes towards overall human progress that is balanced between spiritual and material, between progress and moral values, between religion and worldly concerns. Islam Hadhari has the potential to curb the militant instincts among religious detractors. It is important for the Muslim Ummah to be guided in understanding and practicing Islam as a comprehensive way of life, as a means to build a civilization. A wholesome way of life will create the balance between a person’s responsibilities in this world and in the Hereafter.