‘Malays, Muslims Facing a Crisis of Adab’ – Sultan Nazrin

PUTRAJAYA: Malays and Muslims are facing a crisis of adab when discussions and debates turn into disputes marked by hostility, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

Sultan Nazrin, who is Chairman of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI), said such a situation can be seen when unverified news is spread without regard for sin or the shame it may bring upon others, while differences of opinion turn into hostility.

“Malays and Muslims are facing a crisis of adab. This crisis cannot be regarded as a minor issue because the collapse of a society often begins with the erosion of its values and morals.

“The Malay community and the Muslim ummah need to revive adab in communication, including when differences of opinion arise. We can disagree without insulting, offer criticism without humiliating others, and defend the truth without losing wisdom and compassion,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin said this in his royal address at the 75th meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) at Kompleks Islam here on Tuesday.

He said the ability to express differing views without hostility reflects the importance of the concept of shura, or mutual consultation, as well as adab and ethical conduct.

Sultan Nazrin stressed that shura involves discussion and the exchange of views before a decision is made, while adab requires individuals to listen respectfully, consider differing opinions and strive to reach decisions that benefit the common good.

“True strength does not come from uniformity of views. Rather, it lies in our ability to disagree without hostility, offer criticism without humiliating others, and make decisions together with integrity and responsibility,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin added that adab is not merely about courtesy and good manners but also encompasses an individual’s relationship with Allah SWT, fellow human beings, nature and oneself.

He said adab also requires individuals to value knowledge and honour their teachers, describing it as a manifestation of knowledge, a safeguard of freedom and a foundation for harmony.

“When adab is upheld, differences can be managed. But when adab is neglected, even knowledge and power can become sources of division,” Sultan Nazrin said.

He stressed that this principle requires leaders to remain humble, listen to differing views, accept criticism and consider advice with an open mind.

“Shura is not a space where one is free to say whatever one wishes without limits. Freedom of speech is not the freedom to insult, while differences of opinion are no justification for making accusations, belittling, insulting or, worse still, slandering others.

“In consultation, we must reflect adab, speak the truth based on knowledge and facts, communicate with courtesy and respect, respect differences of opinion, and value those with experience and knowledge by giving them space to be heard,” he said.

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