The Iqra Times (reviving the new spirit of human civilization in the 21st century)

A Tradition of Learning: PM Anwar’s Grandchildren Visit Reflects Educational and Prophetic Values  PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent decision to bring several of his grandchildren to Perdana Putra has drawn both admiration and criticism. While some attempted to politicise the moment, a respected Islamic educator, Ustaz Hasrizal Abdul Jamil, offered a reflective and educational perspective rooted in Islamic tradition and modern pedagogy. In a widely shared commentary, Ustaz Hasrizal emphasised that bringing children into the workplace is not a novelty, but rather a long-established practice in Islamic civilisation. It mirrors the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ approach to nurturing young minds through exposure, experience, and participation in adult environments. “This is not merely a personal act by the Prime Minister, but a meaningful expression of experiential learning — deeply embedded in our religious tradition and aligned with global educational practices,...

ANGKASA Selangor Hosts Grand Aidilfitri Celebration with Over 3,000 Strategic Partners and Guests Petaling Jaya, 23 April 2025 – ANGKASA Selangor hosted a vibrant and festive Aidilfitri celebration today, bringing together over 3,000 guests, including strategic partners, cooperative leaders, and representatives from government, private, and non-governmental sectors. The event took place at the MBPJ Multipurpose Hall in SS3, Kelana Jaya. YBhg Dato’ Haji Mohd Alias Hamzah, Chairman of ANGKASA Selangor, together with the State Cooperative Committee (JKAN) and ANGKASA staff, warmly welcomed attendees to a joyous gathering aimed at strengthening cooperative ties and fostering strategic collaboration. The celebration was further elevated by the presence of YBhg Dato’ Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah, President of ANGKASA and the ASEAN Cooperative Organisation (ACO), who officiated the presentation of appreciation certificates to 16 key strategic partners for their contributions to the event...

  Malaysia-China Relations Enter a New Era: Strengthening Strategic Cooperation Following Historic Visit by President Xi Jinping KUALA LUMPUR – The recent state visit of President Xi Jinping to Malaysia in April 2025 marked a historic moment in the deepening bilateral ties between Malaysia and China. The visit reinforced the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations, underpinned by mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. A Symbol of Growing Bilateral Ties President Xi’s visit to Malaysia was met with a warm reception at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with senior government officials, welcomed the Chinese President. This visit highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries, marked by cultural performances from Malaysian students and a Mandarin-language greeting, which further emphasized the lasting spirit of friendship between the peoples of...

A Tribute to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: Legacy of a Statesman Kuala Lumpur, April 2025 — The passing of the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, marks the end of an era for the nation. Known for his humility, wisdom, and dedication, Pak Lah’s leadership was defined by key political and economic reforms, as well as moments of controversy that shaped the course of modern Malaysian history. Pak Lah's tenure, beginning in 2003, was a pivotal time for the country. Notable for his calm demeanor and consensus-driven approach, he took on complex issues with a sense of fairness and integrity. Among his most significant moments was his decisive action regarding the controversial sports betting license granted to Vincent Tan's Ascott Sport. The license, awarded without cabinet approval by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s government, caused a public uproar. Pak Lah's immediate response to suspend the license upon discovering its existence in e...

Malaysian Premier Urges Historical Inspiration to Tackle Modern Global Challenges at Indian Ocean Conference Gombak, Malaysia | April 7, 2025 — At the opening of the “Conference on Cosmopolitanism and Collaboration Across Civilizations in the Indian Ocean,” Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for leveraging the values of the past to address pressing global issues such as climate change, maritime security, and sustainable development. Speaking at the Senate Hall of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Gombak campus, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized that the guiding principles of diversity, inclusivity, partnership, and cooperation—hallmarks of historical civilizations—are vital to solving today’s complex challenges. “These ideas are central to Malaysia’s Madani framework,” Anwar stated, referring to his administration's flagship governance philosophy rooted in civilizational values. He further cited the Constitution of Madinah as an earl...

Meet Anwar @ IIUM: A Special Homecoming for Dialogue, Reflection and Reform GOMBAK, 11 April 2025 – Nearly 3,000 members of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community gathered at the IIUM Cultural Centre today for Meet Anwar @ IIUM: A Special Homecoming , a townhall-style event that brought Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim back to the institution where he once served as President from 1988 to 1999. Organized as part of his national Temu Anwar engagement series, the event served as an open platform for dialogue between the Prime Minister and students, faculty, and staff of IIUM. Participants from IIUM’s Kuantan and Gambang campuses also joined virtually via livestream. In his keynote address, Prime Minister Anwar urged students to pursue not only academic excellence but also wisdom grounded in values such as justice, dignity, and compassion. Drawing from Islamic teachings and global thought leaders, he emphasized the importance of distinguishing between ...

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Delivers a Powerful Keynote at ICONCIDI25, Marking 30 Years of Civilisational Dialogue at Universiti Malaya Kuala Lumpur, 15 April 2025 (Tuesday) — Universiti Malaya proudly hosted the International Conference on Civilisational Dialogue 2025 (ICONCIDI25) in commemoration of 30 years of civilisational dialogue at the university. Held at Dewan Tunku Canselor from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM , the event brought together thought leaders, scholars, policymakers, and students under the theme “Intercivilisational Dialogue for Inclusivity and Sustainability.” The conference was elevated by a Special Address and Closing Remarks from The Most Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia , who delivered an impassioned and unscripted keynote that resonated deeply with attendees. In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the organisers and participants. He also commended ministers, deputy ministers, and Members of Parliament for...

Thousands Gather for the Funeral Prayer of Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Kuala Lumpur, 15 April 2025 — Malaysia mourns the passing of its fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who returned to the mercy of Allah at the age of 85. The beloved statesman, known for his soft-spoken nature and emphasis on Islam Hadhari, passed away peacefully in Kuala Lumpur. In a heartfelt outpouring of love and respect, thousands of Malaysians, including national leaders, dignitaries, scholars, and ordinary citizens, gathered at Masjid Negara for his Solat Jenazah (funeral prayer) . The sea of attendees overflowed the mosque compound as people from all walks of life came to honour the late leader, many describing their presence as both a duty and a gift to the deceased. Among the many tributes paid, Islamic scholars reminded the public of a powerful and authentic hadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: "Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer is offered will have one...

Malaysia Strengthens Global Position in Biomass Sector at 5th International Oil Palm Biomass Conference KUALA LUMPUR, 14 April 2025 — Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability today as YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, officiated the 5th International Oil Palm Biomass Conference (IOPBC) 2025 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel. The Deputy Minister represented YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities. In his keynote address, Datuk Chan highlighted Malaysia’s growing leadership in the global biomass industry, driven largely by its robust palm oil sector and a rapidly expanding export market for biomass by-products. “Biomass has emerged as a key driver in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy,” said Datuk Chan. “Malaysia is positioned as a major global supplier of renewable energy materials.”   Record Growth in Biomass Exports Malaysia recorded significant growt...