KUALA LUMPUR: Penang mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman has expressed his support for religious preachers to improve their proficiency in English to broaden and strengthen their outreach, especially on a global scale.
His comments followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement encouraging preachers to master foreign languages, including English, as a vital tool for spreading Islamic teachings worldwide.
Mohd Sukki highlighted the example of Zimbabwean preacher Mufti Menk (Ismail Menk), whose global influence is attributed to his clear and accessible use of English.
"From my perspective, English proficiency is an invaluable asset for preachers engaged in international missionary work. Language plays a crucial role in conveying messages effectively," he told Sinar Harian yesterday.
He said that preachers aiming to reach global audiences must adopt English as a medium of communication, which would significantly aid the worldwide dissemination of Islamic teachings.
On Wednesday, Anwar reiterated the importance of mastering English for preachers to engage with intellectuals in Europe and beyond.
He said that strong language skills would facilitate meaningful debates and ensure Islamic teachings were delivered accurately and comprehensively to diverse audiences.