UTM TO SET UP CENTRE FOR FIQH RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) will set up the Centre for Fiqh Research and Science and Technology (CFiRST) to handle research and development (R&D) activities to strengthen government policies in uplifting the status of Islam in the country.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zaini Ujang said the setting up of the centre
was aimed at solving science and technology issues between the industry,
government agencies and such bodies as the fatwa council at both the
national and international levels.

"For example, how we perceive alcohol where on one hand, its use is
inevitable, but on the other hand, it is intoxicating and the fatwa (edict)
has ruled that it is haram (forbidden in Islam).

"This centre will combine the science and technology expertise with that in
Islamic law to give better understanding to Muslims on the religious rulings
and the requirements in science and technology," he said during his visit to the
Bernama headquarters here Tuesday.

Zaini said the centre would also organise conferences, seminars, workshops
and forums on developments in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) in relation to
science and technology.

"The centre can act as a link in creating an information network on fiqh
development in science and technology with other centres of excellence abroad,"
he said.

Meanwhile, CFiRST director Prof Selamat Hashim said the setting up of
the centre was envisioned to assist in the process of determining the fatwa and
drafting an applicable policy for the people in the country.

"Scientists have now invented various technologies but without much
consideration on the impact of their inventions on mankind.

"So, the centre will be helpful in explaining the religious viewpoints or
rulings in relation to the developments in science and technology," he added.
-- BERNAMA