Press Release
O Prime Minister of Malaysia! Following the Messenger of Allah (saw) Is Not Only in Words, but in Heart and Action

During the National Maulidur Rasul 2024/1446H celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, shared a message on his Facebook page urging Muslims to take the Messenger of Allah (saw) as a model—not only for his personality but also as a leader for the state, society, and family, particularly in the context of the Madinah model. Anwar stated, "In seeking a role model, it is befitting for us to consistently look to the greatest and most esteemed Messenger of Allah (saw) as Uswatun Hasanah." Wouldn't it have been more appropriate for Anwar to use the word 'obligatory' instead of 'befitting' when describing Rasulullah (saw) as a role model? Anwar further elaborated that the ambition of a Madani state is inseparable from taking lessons and models from the Charter of Madinah (Sahifah Madinah) established by the Messenger of Allah (saw), based upon the formula of diversity within the framework of unity, upheld by justice (Adl) and courtesy (Ihsan).

It is encouraging to hear Anwar express his desire to take lessons from the Charter of Madinah as a model in ruling this country. However, the question arises: Does Anwar truly intend to follow the rulings of Rasulullah (saw) in Madinah as a model for his conceived “Madani State”, or is this merely a lip service during the national celebration of the birthday of Rasulullah (saw)? Is Anwar not aware that Madinah (formerly Yathrib) was initially a Darul Kufr (Disbelieving State), which was then transformed into a Daulah Islamiyyah (Islamic State) by the Messenger of Allah (saw), based on Wahy (Divine Revelation)! Will Anwar endeavor to transform Malaysia into an Islamic State based on Divine Revelation? Furthermore, is Anwar not aware that the Charter and all laws implemented by the Messenger of Allah (saw) in Madinah were also based on Divine Revelation? Will Anwar then change the constitution and laws granted by the Kufr-British colonialists into an Islamic constitution and laws based on Divine Revelation?

If Anwar indeed aspires to adopt the Charter of Madinah as a model, it is high time for him to discard Lord Reid's charter (constitution), which has served as the foundation of ruling in this country thus far. We would like to remind Anwar that the Charter of Madinah functions as both an agreement and a fundamental law governing relations among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly Jews, as citizens. The Charter of Madinah explicitly states that interactions among citizens should be based on Islam, with all citizens subjected to Islamic law. Furthermore, the text of the agreement clearly delineates the obligation of Jews to submit to Islamic rules and to collaborate with Muslims for the interest of the Islamic State. Among the numerous provisions in the Charter, it is sufficient for us to highlight one provision that clearly demonstrates that all issues in the State must be resolved with the Qur'an and the Sunnah: «وَإِنّهُ مَا كَانَ بَيْنَ أَهْلِ هَذِهِ الصّحِيفَةِ مِنْ حَدَثٍ أَوْ اشْتِجَارٍ يُخَافُ فَسَادُهُ فَإِنّ مَرَدّهُ إإلَى اللهِ عَزّ وَجَلّ وَإِلَى مُحَمّدٍ رَسُولِ الله» “Any case or dispute arising between the parties in this Charter, which may result in causing harm, shall be returned to Allah and Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah.”

An examination of the Charter of Madinah clearly reveals that the state established by the Messenger of Allah (saw) was an Islamic State, ruled by what Allah (swt) decrees. In contrast, the state currently led by Anwar is a democratic-secular state, ruled by what the people desire. If Anwar truly wants to follow Madinah as a model, he must demonstrate this commitment by transforming this country into an Islamic State (Khilafah), as bequeathed by the Messenger of Allah (saw) to his Ummah, thereby replacing the current democratic-secular state created by the colonialists for their subjects. We would like to remind Anwar that his remarks about following the Messenger of Allah (saw) and the State of Madinah as role models, if not realized through tangible actions, will only invoke the wrath of Allah (swt),

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ * كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ]

“O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.” [As-Saff (61): 2-3].

Do remember that recognizing Rasulullah (saw) as Uswatun Hasanah (role model) should not only be through verbal or written expressions but must also be genuinely embraced in one's heart and demonstrated through actions. Anwar ought to reflect and ask himself, ever since becoming Prime Minister, to what extent has he endeavored to rule Malaysia with Al-Qur'an and As-Sunnah, in line with his desire to follow Daulah Madinah as a model. Should Anwar fail to manifest his words, then his statements are nothing more than empty rhetoric, revealing his true face since assuming office. If Anwar had any sense of shame, he would realize that he has repeatedly taken off his face mask, leading more and more people, including his own supporters, to see his actual face.

It is obligatory for anyone who desires Madinah as a model country to seriously work for the re-establishment of the Islamic State (Khilafah). This exemplary state that was initially established by Rasulullah (saw), was subsequently upheld by the Khulafa' ar-Rashidin, the Umayyad, the Abbasid, and the Ottoman, and was then officially destroyed on 28 Rajab 1342 H (corresponding to 3 March 1924 CE). This model will never be revived through the rhetoric of leaders or mere words; but it requires faith (Iman), and dedicated and sincere efforts from all those who advocate for it. Allah (swt) has made a clear promise to those who believe and do good deeds that He will grant them power (in form of Khilafah), by His Words:

[وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ]

“Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good that He will certainly make them successors in the land, as He did with those before them” [An-Nur (24): 55].

Abdul Hakim Othman
Official Spokesperson of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Malaysia