PUTRAJAYA: Former Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Hassan Ahmad was today announced as this year's national-level Tokoh Maal Hijrah.
International Union of Muslim Scholars president Professor Dr Ali Muhyiddin Ali Al-Qaradaghi, meanwhile, was named the Maal Hijrah international icon.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, presented the awards to the two recipients at a ceremony held in conjunction with the national-level Maal Hijrah 1446H celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The criteria for selecting the award recipients for both categories are based on their significant contributions to the development of the ummah and spread of Islamic teachings, along with recognition and acceptance from both national and international communities.
The recipients also possess extensive knowledge and experience, as well as exemplary qualities and personalities to be emulated.
Both award recipients received cash, certificates of appreciation and trophies from the government.
The Tokoh Maal Hijrah, Hassan, hails from Permatang Sungai Dua in Kepala Batas, Penang.
He received his education with a Bachelor's Degree in Syariah and Law from the Faculty of Syariah and Law at the Islamic Higher Education Foundation of Kelantan (YPTIK), Nilam Puri, Kelantan.
Hassan also has a Master's Degree in Usul Al-Fiqh from the Faculty of Shariah, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
He served as the Mufti of Penang from 1997 to 2014.
Hassan is currently an honourary advisor at Darul Hadis, Penang.
Meanwhile, Ali Muhyiddin is a globally influential Islamic scholar and thinker who has shared his expertise and knowledge in Malaysia.
He is currently a Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence at Qatar University and the Vice President of the European Council for Fatwa and Research.
In conjunction with this year's Maal Hijrah celebration, the government has chosen the theme "Al-Falah Pemacu Malaysia Madani."
This theme reflects the essence of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and is highly significant in driving the ummah towards true success in both this world and the hereafter.
In this context, the development of the ummah based on the concept of Al-Falah (success) needs to be cultivated, embraced, and achieved to realise the vision of Malaysia Madani.