Lecturer of Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Theology, Oxford University, Datuk Dr Muhammad Afifi Al-Akiti was named as the recipient of the National Premier Maulidur Rasul Award 2017.

He received the award, comprising RM50,000, a plaque, a certificate of appreciation from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at the National Maulidur Rasul 2017 celebration at the Federal Territory Mosque here last night.

The event was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk SeAhmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) Tan Sri Othman Mustapha.

When met by reporters, Muhammad Afifi said he hoped that Malaysia could produce more Islamic scholars from outstanding students who performed well in all subjects at secondary school and university level.

"Previously, there was a perception that Islamic scholars were students who failed in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or secondary school.

Hence, the government through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education should encourage excellent students to choose Islamic studies to produce more Islamic scientists and intellectuals," he said.

He also urged Muslim scholars and scientists to play a big role in clearing the image of Islam which was being badly represented by irresponsible parties.

Apart from Muhammad Afifi, eight other individuals received Maulidur Rasul awards.

They are Melaka Islamic Religious Council deputy chairman Datuk Yaakub Md Amin; Tabung Haji member of the Haj Advisory Committee Datuk Wan Mohamad Syeikh Abdul Aziz; and former Malaysian ambassador to Egypt, Datuk Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari.

The other recipients are Yayasan Murni Aqidah chairman Datuk Aidit Ghazali; International Syariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance Executive Director Prof Dr Mohamad Akram Laldin; Panel member of Pemikir Dakwah Negara Prof Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin; professor in the Syariah and Law Department, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, Prof Datin Dr Raihanah Abdullah; and astronomer Dr Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar.

They were selected based on their contributions towards empowering Islam at the national and international levels. - BERNAMA