Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

Mohd Asri was educated at the religious secondary school Al-Irsyad in Seberang Perai, Penang, and furthered his study at the Islamic College Klang. He received his bachelor's degree in Arabic and Sharia, with honors from the University of Jordan; master's in Islamic studies from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and PhD in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage (Qurʾan and Sunnah studies) from International Islamic University Malaysia. He also received five degrees in Hadith from India. He was also a Fellowship in Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.^[3]

Career

Mohd Asri is an active writer and commentator on Islam and religious issues. He was a columnist for two local Malay newspapers called Mingguan Malaysia and Sinar Harian. He is also a prolific writer who has published many books since 2003. He remains a permanent associate professor with Universiti Sains Malaysia while serving with the Office of Perlis Mufti. Known by the public as Dr. Maza (an acronym for his own name, Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin) and his Islamic nickname as Abu Talhah Al-Malizi, he is popular among the young who follow his blog, Minda Tajdid and in columns on Malay newspapers.

Views and principles

Mohd Asri's books reflect his concerns about what he considers to be fanaticism in

Although he maintains an intentionally apolitical stance, political parties like United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and People Justice Party (PKR) are interested in him. As Mufti of Perlis, he is propagating the “Sunnah Perlis” teachings, the Salafi version of a revival and reform agenda (islah and tajdid), and its call for the “pure” version of Islam by referring directly to the Qurʾan and Sunnah and by superseding madhhabic interpretation

Criticism

Although some have accused Mohd Asri of subscribing to

He is very vocal on Malaysia's political and religious contexts,^[8] and in criticizing the labeling of certain non-Muslim parties, especially the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) as kafir harbi (infidels against whom war can be waged) and efforts to amend the Syariah (the term used in Malaysia for Sharia) Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to allow certain Hudud punishments to be implemented in certain states in Malaysia.

On issues such as the environment, he is against pollution. He advocates modesty in fashion, particularly the proper attire for Muslim women, and Muslims can wear non-Muslim traditional dresses.

Personal life

Mohd Asri is married with five children, namely Talhah Mohd Asri, Intisor Mohd Asri, Ibtihal Mohd Asri, Dihyah Mohd Asri and Irwa' Mohd Asri, respectively.

Honours and awards

Honours of Malaysia

•  Perlis:
  • Companion of the Order of Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail of Perlis (SSP)
  • The Order for Dato’ Titleholders – Dato' Arif Perkasa (2012)^[9]

Awards

• Recipient of the Perlis 1427AH Maal Hijrah Figure Award.
• Recipient of the Perlis 1429AH Maal Hijrah Figure Award.
• Recipient of the University of Science Malaysia 1430AH Maal Hijrah Figure Award.

Books

• Fanatik Mazahab Fekah & Kesan Negatifnya Terhadap Pemikiran Umat ISBN 978-967-13496-2-5
• Hadis Palsu Kesan Negatif Terhadap Imej Islam ISBN 978-967-13496-3-2
• Fabricated Hadith Upon The Image Of Islam ISBN 978-967-16744-3-7
• The Obligation of Understanding the Reality Before Issuuing a Fatwa ISBN 978-967-16744-5-1
• Kewajipan Memahami Realiti Sebelum Berfatwa ISBN 978-967-16-7442-0

References