Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim

Transformation of Muslim behaviour towards sustainable environment: perspectives of non-governmental organisations in Klang Valley

Man cannot depend solely on science and technology to solve environmental problems. In fact, scholars and environmentalists have observed that some of the causes of environmental deterioration are rooted in science and technology. It is clear that environmental problems need ethical solution. However, environmentally ethical behaviour (EEB) is often overlooked in the life of a Muslim. This behaviour is important, particularly, to ensure the future of civilization of the Islamic world and, generally, civilization as a whole. Given the fact that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are more sensitive to the transformation of public behaviour compared to other groups, this article discusses the perspectives of Malaysian NGOs on the transformation of Muslim EEB in Malaysia in three aspects: (a) The type of EEB practiced by Muslims in Malaysia; (b) The transformation process of EEB experienced by Muslims in Malaysia; and (c) Whether or not the transformation of EEB of Muslims in Malaysia is motivated by the values advocated by Islam. The research adopted a qualitative research method of data collection, i.e., focus group discussions (FGDs). FGD’s results illustrated that: (a) Pre-cycling, reusing and recycling are the common types of EEB practiced by Muslims in Malaysia; (b) The transformation process of EEB experienced by Muslims in Malaysia is not accelerating at the speed that we hoped for; and (c) The transformation of EEB of Muslims in Malaysia is motivated more by economic and social factors as well as level of education and regulation enforcement compared to the values advocated by Islam.

Fatwa as an Authority in Secular Courts of Malaysia

Fatwa has been recognized as one of the sources of Islamic law in Malaysia. Fatwa issued by a Muftis office becomes a reference to the Shariah court on any unresolved disputes and legal issues. Accordingly, the position of fatwa in civil court (a secular court) is called into question as there are many cases that refer to the fatwa ruling in such court. The extent of fatwa and views of mufti as authority in the Malaysian civil court has yet been explored as scope of discussion by many scholars. Thus, this article is a discussion on position of fatwa authority in the ruling of civil courts. This study was conducted using document analysis method on court cases to determine whether the views of mufti and fatwa being issued were really taken as reference and authoritative in the Malaysian civil court. The study found that secular court refers to fatwa in some cases and fatwa does affect the decision of the court ruling. However, in some other cases, the court did not refer to the fatwa ruling despite the availability of relevant fatwa. This study is important not only to reflect the position of fatwa as an authoritative source of law in the judicial system in Malaysia but also the influence of fatwa over the secular civil court.