Kuala Lumpur: Today’s family institution must be strengthened with religious knowledge and education, including understanding the principle of maqasid al-nasab or preserving family lineage, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan. He emphasized that religious education is not just about learning but also about gaining a deep understanding, which is crucial in addressing social issues.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zulkifli made these remarks after being featured in Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme. His comments were in response to a media report regarding the increasing number of rape and incest cases in Kelantan, which show a significant rise each year, with most cases involving consensual sex. He highlighted that by understanding the principle of maqasid al-nasab, families could have a clearer purpose to establish and maintain family lineage, potentially helping to address these social issues.

Dr. Zulkifli also addressed the problem of bullying in schools, stating that education should aim at producing well-balanced individuals emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. This aligns with both the National Education Philosophy and the Islamic Education Philosophy, which focus on nurturing individuals with good character, peace, and balance. He emphasized the importance of the concept of MADANI, which promotes values like compassion, trust, and prosperity, in humanizing education and instilling these values in children.

Recently, a video went viral showing students of Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Penang bullying another student. In response to this incident, the MRSM Disciplinary Committee has recommended that the seven students involved be expelled. Dr. Zulkifli expressed confidence that the government and the principles of MADANI could work together to address such issues.