KUCHING: Social media platforms are important tools for ‘dakwah’ (teaching of Islam), especially to young Muslims.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said such tools must be embraced to reach out to the new generation.
“In this world of technology, physical distance is no longer a barrier to instant connectivity. This is the new narrative and the new normal.
“The availability of e-mail, Telegram, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tik Tok, YouTube, and other social media platforms connects us instantly.
“For the same reason, we should convey our ‘dakwah’ and ideas through these new platforms (social media),” he said.
He was officiating at the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific’s (RISEAP) 19th General Assembly at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today (Jan 3).
Abang Johari noted that the old approach of preaching Islam is still being practised.
“While we appreciate the old approach, let us not be oblivious to the new platforms in our effort to connect to others out there,” he said.
He said in the near future, people will be using hologram technology in meetings.
“I believe in a few years from now, we will be using holograms, which is a futuristic method of displaying an image using light to form a 3D object and I had that experience in Korea.
“As we speak, modern technology is being invented and new grounds are being discovered. So, we must and will be compelled to embrace this new normal,” he said.
On a similar note, he said Islam, is the religion of peace and it is incumbent upon Muslims to convey the beauty of Islam to people of other faiths.
“Through proper education and training, RISEAP should be able to encourage Muslims in the region to demonstrate how Muslims should live and conduct themselves.
“At the end of the day, it is up to us, the Muslims, to preserve and promote the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that advocate peaceful interactions with people of other religions,” he said.
Abang Johari also noted that RISEAP’s objective is in the service of Muslim minority countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
“As an Islamic organisation, RISEAP exists to preserve and care for the religion of Islam, particularly within the region,” he said.
