اهمیت یادگیری تاریخ و تمدن اسلامی مالزی در ایجاد سرمایه انسانی و هویت جامعه اسلامی در مالزی

The purpose of this research is to study the importance of learning Islamic History and Civilization in Malaysia for human capital building and identification of the muslim society in Malaysia. Its aim is to clarify the importance of this course, specifically at the Department of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization, and the need to produce graduates who are conversant in this field in order that they may utilise it in their lives regardless of whichever field they venture into. This study uses the library research method by analysis and evaluation with an argumentative as well as narrative approach. The results of study finds that knowledge and conversance in this field is integral in the formation of human capital and identity of the muslim society in Malaysia. Knowledge and conversance in this field would enable Malays to know the ‘true’ history of the muslim ummah in Malaysia. This knowledge is crucial to help them form and build a Malay-muslim generation in Malaysia, strongly attached to Malay traditions which have once brought the muslims to the pinnacle of success.

The course, Islamic History and Civilization in Malaysia, was first offered to undergraduates in the 1st semester of Session 2000/2001. This course is an improvement on the course, History of Islam in Malaysia. It is a compulsory course at the Department of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilization in line with the objective of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIS) to produce graduates who are truly knowledgeable, generally in the field of Islamic studies, and specifically in the field of Islamic history, and who are able to use their knowledge to guide society. Through this course, the faculty would be able to produce society which truly understands Islam, possesses sound ways of thinking, awareness and realization as well as feelings of responsibility to the country based on Islamic principles, philosophy and thinking so that a disciplined society is formed (Guide for Undergraduates 2000-2001). This course is important in the formation of a generation with a strong Islamic identity and character because transparent exposure to the ummah’s history and civilization will give them awareness of past history which enable them to recognise their self-potential as well as to foster the spirit of love, pride and loyalty to the country. The emphasis on Islamic history and civilization in Malaysia is very important as knowledge of history is essential for a nation to chart its future life. The importance of learning history cannot be denied because a nation or ummah may learn its lessons from history so that adverse incidents or matters may serve as a warning. This field is important in order that the human capital formed possesses the knowledge and conversance of the history and achievements of the muslim ummah in Malaysia as that is the true picture of their history. They are responsible for re-evaluating history in planning and producing an Islamic generation with a strong identity when facing the many challenges of a globilization era. It is only with knowledge of Islamic history and civilization in Malaysia that the Muslim ummah, specifically the Malay race of Malaysia will know the history of their race. They cannot deny Islam’s role in their lives. All matters are viewed through Islamic law such as forbidden or permissible; obligatory or optional; and disapproved or commendable. Certainly there is a ’virtual’ reward or punishment which cannot be visible, that is, merit and sin. The muslim ummah should be concerned with the concepts of mercy and plague or calamity (punishment) from Allah SWT. Thus, this field is important to be emphasized at higher learning level to produce human capital which is able to make history as a guide in re-building the position and strength of his race and country (Abd Rahim 1999). Some even hold the opinion that history is like a basic mould for the young generation’s life (Abdul Razaq 2007).

The history experienced by the Malays must be understood from the Malay-muslim viewpoint for without Islam, the true face of the Malay race is impossible to be recognised. History has proven that Islam has had an important position in the Malay society. Islam has become the way of life for the Malay society and the pillar for the formation of a noble Malay identity full of good manners and morality. The history of Malay life which is synonymous with the Islamic way of life must be studied and appreciated by the present Malay. They should not merely know that Islam once uplifted the Malay race to the height of its glory, but should use it as a model to develop and build a new Malay civilization. From their Malay-muslim history, the present Malay must learn the moral lessons so that they will not repeat the mistakes which were committed by their ancestors. These will form the guidance for the present generation in their efforts to produce a greater new Malay generation with a strong identity and immune to the challenges which threaten life in this era of globalization.