Form committees to monitor national Syariah Index - Jakim

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has urged Islamic Religious Departments in the country to form special committees in their own states to monitor the Syariah Index so that the national administrative performance is better understood from the perspective of Maqasid Syariah.

Its director-general, Tan Sri Othman Mustapha said these special committees could also help extend the implementation of the Malaysian Syariah Index which encompasses various aspects to become a guide and practice in an Islamic nation.

"The Malaysian Syariah Index is a system to evaluate everything in life, covering economic, health, transport, education etc.

"The special committees in every state can provide better explanations to the local community, and that the Malaysian Syariah Index does not only focus on marriage and inheritance," he said.

Othman was speaking to reporters after a programme on a special discussion on the Malaysian Syariah Index at the state level which was launched by the Melaka State Secretary Datuk Seri Naim Abu Bakar in Ayer Keroh, here today.

Othman said the first phase of the Malaysian Syariah Index two years ago was to explain to the people the Maqasid Syariah while the second phase which began this year involved the implementation of the Syariah Index into existing policies.

The Malaysian Syariah Index which was introduced in 2015 is a scientific and comprehensive measurement system to evaluate the government's administration based on the five foundational principles of Maqasid Syariah which are preservation of religion/faith, life, intellect, lineage, property/wealth.

Meanwhile, Naim said the Melaka state government through the Melaka islamic Religious Department (JAIM) would form a committee to monitor the Malaysian Syariah Index soon.

He said the committee was important because of the syariah aspect, especially in inheritance and economic issues in the state.

-- BERNAMA