Anwar: Madani Framework Inspired by Al-Qaradawi’s Holistic Vision of Ethics, Governance and Society
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia’s Madani framework draws significant inspiration from the intellectual thought of the late Sheikh Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, describing it as a model that combines social development with strong foundations of Islamic ethics, morality and responsible governance.
Speaking at the Seminar on the Thought of Yusuf Al-Qaradawi at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Anwar said the concept of Masyarakat Madani was developed as an alternative to the Western notion of civil society, which he believes places greater emphasis on civic institutions without sufficiently incorporating moral and spiritual values.
According to the Prime Minister, the idea began taking shape in the late 1990s before being refined through discussions with Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and respected Islamic scholar Sheikh Taha Jabir al-Alwani.
He said the scholars proposed the use of the Arabic term Al-Mujtama’ Al-Madani, which later became the foundation for Malaysia’s understanding of Masyarakat Madani.
Anwar explained that the concept extends beyond conventional interpretations of civil society by integrating Islamic principles, ethical conduct, moral responsibility and good character into public life and governance.
He said the framework seeks to promote a balanced society where civic participation is accompanied by accountability, justice and values rooted in religious teachings.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s writings on Fiqh al-Daulah, or Islamic jurisprudence relating to governance, describing the work as a comprehensive body of thought that remains relevant to contemporary political and social realities.
According to Anwar, the scholar’s ideas should not be viewed through the lens of older models of theocracy or theodemocracy, but rather as practical guidance for addressing modern governance challenges while remaining grounded in Islamic ethical principles.
Reflecting on the late scholar’s legacy, Anwar praised Al-Qaradawi for his outspoken advocacy on behalf of the Palestinian people and his willingness to publicly criticise Arab leaders whom he believed had failed to defend Palestinian rights.
He recounted an episode in which Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi reportedly questioned visiting ministers after they attempted to persuade him to soften his criticism of regional leaders over relations with Israel during the conflict in Gaza.
Beyond the scholar’s political positions, Anwar stressed the importance of understanding Al-Qaradawi’s intellectual contributions in their entirety.
He cautioned against selectively quoting isolated statements without appreciating the broader philosophical and scholarly framework in which the views were developed.
According to the Prime Minister, fragmented interpretations risk misrepresenting the scholar’s overall approach to Islam, governance and social development.
Anwar further warned that the contemporary Islamic revival should not become dominated by emotional rhetoric, intellectual shallowness or intolerance, arguing instead that it should remain firmly guided by the principle of wasatiyyah, or moderation.
He said wasatiyyah encourages dialogue, reasoned debate, critical thinking and the preservation of intellectual traditions, adding that meaningful national development depends on healthy discourse and the continuous exchange of ideas.
The Prime Minister said a progressive society can only be built through knowledge, open discussion and ethical leadership, principles that he believes remain central to both the Madani agenda and Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s intellectual legacy.
