SAMARAHAN: Syariah law should serve as a safeguard for faith (aqidah) and morality (akhlaq), not merely as an instrument of punishment, says Head of the Administration and Resource Management Division of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) cum acting director, Sharifah Zakiah Tuanku Pauzi.
She said that the true implementation of syariah carries the spirit of mercy, compassion, and reflection, not harshness, as it aims to educate before punishing, advise before reprimanding, and allow space for repentance before judgment is passed.
“Syariah law must guide people to understand boundaries, instil fear of sin, and lead them back to the right path, with its enforcement understood as an educational responsibility rather than an instrument of fear.
“That is why, at JAIS, our enforcement efforts go beyond making arrests and focus on da’wah, which involves offering reminders, advice and guidance, while arrests and prosecutions are carried out only in cases that threaten public order, and require firm action.
“But if the case involves social issues that can be rehabilitated or helped, we will do our best to do so, especially in matters related to faith,” she said.
She said this when officiating the 2025 Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar closing ceremony themed ‘Upholding Syariah Law’ held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) today.
She also called on officers, preachers and religious institutions to work together not only to uphold the law but to strengthen understanding and awareness among the public.
“So that the community recognises that syariah is a mercy, not a burden; a protection, not a threat; and a guiding light, not merely a set of rules,” she said.
Echoing her views, UNIMAS’ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Ts Dr Al-Khalid Othman, said the seminar, which gathered more than 170 participants, aimed to deepen understanding of syariah in an era of growing social and moral challenges.
“The seminar’s theme is a call for awareness and shared responsibility.
“We are witnessing a rapid shift in values, where moral boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, and the influence of social media and liberal culture has begun to challenge the public’s understanding of sin and virtue.
“Syariah law is a comprehensive system of life that balances justice and mercy, and this is the time for us to strengthen our understanding of syariah,” he said in his speech text read by Director of the Student Development Centre, Dr Edris Aden.
He added that UNIMAS has always emphasised the importance of character building and moral values among students.
“The university is not merely a place for acquiring knowledge, but also a place to develop identity and a balanced worldview that integrates both worldly and spiritual aspects.
“JAIS contributes its field experience and syariah authority, while UNIMAS brings its strength in knowledge, research and student engagement.
“When these two strengths are combined, we can develop a model of human development grounded in Islamic knowledge and values, one that not only benefits the Muslim community but also contributes to the harmony of Sarawak’s multicultural society,” he added.
