Revitalising Hadith Scholarship in Malaysia: Shaykh Majd Makki’s Nationwide Tour Promotes Public Policy Grounded in Human Dignity, Peace, and the Happiness of Mankind through the Ijazah Sanad—A Living Link to the Words of the Prophetic Legacy

 

"Revitalising Hadith Scholarship in Malaysia: Shaykh Majd Makki’s Nationwide Tour Promotes Public Policy Grounded in Human Dignity, Peace, and the Happiness of Mankind through the Ijazah Sanad—A Living Link to the Words of the Prophetic Legacy"
Kuala Lumpur, 12 May 2025 – Over 1,000 participants gathered at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya for a series of intensive hadith recitation and commentary sessions led by the eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Majd Makki. The sessions were part of a nationwide Daurah Hadith tour from 9 to 17 May 2025, designed to foster a renewed passion for the study of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through classical Islamic texts. The program featured in-depth readings and commentaries on three seminal texts: Akhlaqun-Nabiy wa Adabuhu (The Prophet's Character and Manners), Arba'un al-Ajurriyyah (Forty Hadiths of al-Ajurri) and Arba'un Sughra (The Minor Forty Hadiths). These works represent enduring legacies of Islamic scholarship and offer timeless guidance on the character, ethics, and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Three Core Hadith Texts:

1. Akhlaq an-Nabi wa Adabuhu (The Prophet’s Character and Manners)

This comprehensive work brings together nearly 900 hadiths focusing on the Shama’il (noble qualities) and refined manners of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

It was authored by Imam Muhammad ibn Ja‘far ibn Hayyan, widely known as Abu al-Shaykh al-Asbahani, a leading hadith master (Muhaddith) of the 4th century Hijrah and the Musnid of Esfahan.

He came from a renowned family of scholars known as Ahl al-Hadith (the People of Hadith), celebrated for their deep knowledge, devout worship, and ascetic way of life. A biographical work titled Bulugh al-Amani lists over 500 of his teachers, a testament to his immense scholarly heritage.

Among his most notable students were Abu Nu‘aym al-Asbahani, Ibn Mandah, and Ibn Mardawayh. He passed away in 369 AH.

2. Al-Arba‘un al-Ajurriyyah (The Forty Hadiths of al-Ajurri)

This collection contains 45 selected hadiths, each accompanied by the author’s own commentary (sharh), offering practical insights and explanations.

It was compiled by Abu Bakr al-Ajurri, a respected hadith scholar of Baghdad, known for his adherence to the Shafi‘i school of jurisprudence. He was a contemporary of Abu al-Shaykh and also taught several prominent figures, including Abu Nu‘aym al-Asbahani and the siblings of Ibn Bisyran.

Abu al-Ajurri was held in high esteem for his knowledge and uprightness. He passed away in Makkah in 360 AH.

3. Al-Arba‘un as-Sughra The Minor Forty Hadiths)

Unlike conventional forty-hadith compilations, this work is structured into forty chapters, each outlining a distinctive trait of a true believer, derived from a total of 120 hadiths.

It was authored by the illustrious Imam al-Bayhaqi, one of the great scholars of hadith and jurisprudence. He was highly regarded for his command of both Shafi‘i legal thought and Ash‘ari theology.

Imam al-Bayhaqi’s contributions have left a profound impact on the Islamic intellectual tradition. He passed away in 458 AH, and his works continue to be studied around the world.

🌿 A Scholar of Global Renown

Shaykh Majd Makki is a towering figure in Islamic scholarship, especially in the fields of tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) and hadith. He studied under prominent scholars such as:

• Sheikh Ali Tantawi

• Sheikh Mustafa al-Zarqa

• Sheikh Yasin al-Fadani

• Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi

• Sheikh Abu al-Hasan al-Nadwi

He has authored several significant works including Al-Mu’in fi Tadabbur al-Kitab al-Mubin and is currently completing Dawhah al-Tafsir, an ambitious 30-volume commentary on the entire Qur’an.

Syamail Muhammadiyah at IIUM:

On 12 May, Shaykh Majd Makki led a distinguished session at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Gombak campus on al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyyah, a seminal work by Imam al-Tirmidhi that outlines the noble characteristics and lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The session drew a diverse audience of students, scholars, and members of the public. The edition studied was a critically edited version by Shaykh Abduh Kusyik, which has been praised for its scholarly precision and rigor by leading authorities such as Shaykh Abdul Qadir Arna’ut. The video recordings can be accessed as follows: 

Session 1 𝐀𝐋-𝐒𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐋 𝐀𝐋-𝐌𝐔𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐘𝐘𝐀𝐇

Session 2 𝐀𝐋-𝐒𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐋 𝐀𝐋-𝐌𝐔𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐘𝐘𝐀𝐇

Notably, Shama'il al-Muhammadiyyah has been translated into various languages, including English and Malay, making it accessible to a broader audience. For those interested in exploring this profound work, the following PDF versions are available:

• English Translation: Shama'il al-Muhammadiyyah – Internet Archive 

• Malay Translation: As-Syamail Al-Muhammadiyah – Open Library

These translations serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Prophet's ﷺ exemplary character and conduct.

Scholarly Endorsement:
Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), accompanied Shaykh Majd Makkiat multiple venues and commended the tour for reinvigorating traditional Islamic scholarship in Malaysia. He remarked, “These gatherings affirm that Islam continues to flourish in Malaysia despite assertions that religious affairs are neglected.”

Academic and Public Participation:
Prominent figures, including Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Osman Bakar, Rector of IIUM, warmly welcomed Shaykh Majd’s engagement with Malaysia’s academic community. Meanwhile, a cohort of local youth and students actively participated in a focused Qira’ah and Ta'liq session on Syamail Muhammadiyah, acquiring deep insights into the ethical and spiritual dimensions of the Prophet ﷺ’s exemplary life. The event also drew respected pondok scholars and a robust youth turnout, signaling a revived enthusiasm for Islamic learning.

Friday Sermon and Tafsir Expertise:
In addition, Shaykh Majd delivered a special khutbah (Friday sermon) at IIUM, reflecting on the Qur'anic verse from Surah al-Isra (17:1), demonstrating his profound expertise in tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis). He is the author of the acclaimed eight-volume Qur'anic commentary Dawhah al-Tafsir, underscoring his authoritative voice in Islamic scholarship.

Reading and Book Discussion on the revered classical text Akhlaq Hamalat al-Qur’an (The Ethics of the Bearers of the Qur’an) hosted by PPZ-MAIWP 

The event was held at Dewan Al-Qardhawi, Wisma PPZ, drawing 150 attendees on-site and reaching thousands more via Facebook Live. The majlis brought together scholars, students, and members of the public in a spiritually enriching atmosphere. Shaykh Majd Makki delivered a powerful commentary on the ethics and responsibilities of those who carry the Qur’an in their hearts and lives—students, teachers, reciters, and memorizers. He also reflected on his close relationship with the late Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi, highlighting his teacher’s profound love for the Qur’an and commitment to spreading its message through lectures, sermons, and scholarly works. One of the event’s highlights was the granting of an Ijazah Sanad (license of transmission) by Shaykh Majd, connecting participants directly to the original author of the text through a noble chain of narration that includes Sheikh Yasin al-Fadani and Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi. This is a powerful reaffirmation of the unbroken tradition of Islamic learning. The recordings of the live sessions can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14zfwdaX8ex/

📘 About the Book: Akhlaq Hamalat al-Qur’an

Authored by Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad bin al-Husain al-Ajurri (d. 360H), this timeless masterpiece explores the moral conduct and character expected of those connected with the Qur’an. It contains nearly 100 authentic hadiths and athar (Companion narrations), presented in nine structured chapters covering:

• Manners of students toward Qur’an teachers

• Ethics of teachers in delivering the Qur’an

• Etiquette of reciters in tilawah, reflection (tadabbur), and daily life

• Warnings against arrogance and misusing knowledge

• Emphasis on humility, sincerity, and self-discipline

It remains one of the most influential works used in madrasahs, pondok schools, and Islamic universities around the world to nurture character, sincerity, and piety — and, importantly, to rekindle love for the Qur’an in today’s world.

Sheikh Majd Makki’s Intellectual Vision and Public Engagement
Addressing diverse gatherings throughout his visit, Sheikh Majd emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the Ummah’s intellectual tradition. He highlighted that true unity among Muslims is achievable only through sincere pursuit of knowledge anchored in authentic scholarly legacies. Drawing from both classical texts and contemporary realities, he urged Muslim intellectuals to critically engage with modern challenges, avoiding the extremes of rigid literalism and uncritical modernism. Instead, he advocated a balanced methodology rooted in sound scholarship and contextual awareness, bridging the timeless with the timely.

The visit was broadcast live on TV AlHijrah where Sheikh Majd shared reflections on Qur’anic contemplation (tadabbur), which were translated in real-time. Commentators lauded his deep and nuanced tafsir, with viewers expressing that his exegesis has become a daily source of spiritual reflection for many. 

One of the most memorable events was the large-scale reading and transmission (riwayah) of al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyyah, attended by an overflowing crowd, reflecting the enthusiastic public response also seen during the two-day Hadith Daurah at Masjid Besi. Another notable gathering saw over 500 participants engaged attentively from dawn to dusk in completing the reading of 900 hadith from Akhlaq al-Nabi wa Adabuhu. More sessions on hadith and tafsir were scheduled throughout the visit, inviting broader participation. 

Sheikh Majd expressed profound gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Malaysian institutions and the people. He praised Malaysia as a beacon of scholarly respect and intellectual vibrancy in the Muslim world, expressing hope that the seeds of knowledge planted during this visit would continue to bear fruit for generations. The Ziarah Ilmiah not only strengthened Malaysia’s ties with leading international scholars but also reaffirmed the nation’s position as a vibrant hub for Islamic learning and civilisational dialogue in Southeast Asia.

Analysis: Faith, Identity, and Nation-Building in Malaysia Madani
This scholarly initiative epitomizes Malaysia’s enduring commitment to traditional Islamic scholarship within the framework of Malaysia Madani, which harmonizes developmental progress with spiritual values. The enthusiastic public response, alongside institutional and governmental support, indicates that classical Islamic learning remains deeply entrenched in Malaysian society. Shaykh Majd Makki’s presence and erudition symbolize Malaysia’s effort to connect global Islamic scholarship with the local religious fabric. His mastery in hadith and tafsir not only inspires a new generation of scholars but also reinforces Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for Islamic intellectual discourse in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion
The Hadith and Tafsir tour led by Shaykh Majd Makki marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s Islamic educational landscape. Supported by academic institutions and government endorsement, the initiative exemplifies a vibrant synergy between religious scholarship, public engagement, and national identity under the visionary ethos of Malaysia Madani.

In the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ words: "May Allah brighten the face of a person who hears a hadith from us, learns it, and conveys it as he heard it" (Tirmidhi 2657), this tour rekindles a sacred tradition of knowledge transmission that continues to inspire hearts and illuminate minds.

It also reflects the prophetic guidance: "I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah" (Malik, al-Muwatta’), affirming the enduring relevance of Qur’anic and Prophetic teachings as guiding lights for the ummah.

Beyond spiritual enrichment, the pursuit of religious knowledge must also be translated into public policy. When Islamic values such as justice, compassion, honesty, and human dignity shape the foundations of governance and societal norms, they become a source of mercy and benefit for all of mankind—Muslim and non-Muslim alike. This integration ensures that religion is not confined to the private sphere but actively contributes to creating a just, ethical, and balanced society.

Religious learning also plays a transformative role in nation-building. It builds a civilized society that rejects lying, cheating, manipulation, oppression, and all forms of corruption. Instead, it fosters truth, transparency, integrity, and care for the vulnerable—core elements of a nation grounded in faith and guided by moral clarity.

Ultimately, the goal of life—rooted in divine guidance—is to attain inner peace, lasting happiness, mutual respect, and human dignity. Religious learning is not merely for personal salvation but for collective well-being, guiding communities toward a life of purpose, balance, and public good. To join and participate in the final session of the tour in Putrajaya (FREE admission and OPEN to EVERYONE), scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025, please refer to the details at Last Program with Syaikh Majd Makki.