KUALA KANGSAR: Sekolah Menengah Agama Madrasah Idrisiah validates the role of the Malay Rulers in protecting, preserving, promoting and spreading the Islamic religion, says the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah (pic).
He said the presence of the school proved that dreams and visions could be realised with determination, commitment, sacrifice and generosity.
“Madrasah Idrisiah is a success because there is support and belief. It symbolises the importance of knowledge and worship.
“The importance of a house of worship is not merely as an iconic building that is quiet and in isolation.
“It should be a scientific institution to develop human capital, intellect and culture,” said Sultan Nazrin in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Madrasah Idrisiah here yesterday.
He also said the Madrasah Idrisiah is a product of the spirit of cooperation among the palace, religious scholars and leaders, and the local community.
According to Sultan Nazrin, Madrasah Idrisiah is proof of the important role of waqf (endowment) funds and the need for it to be fully optimised for the benefit of the ummah.
He said Madrasah Idrisiah, which was built based on the waqf concept and was the first royal Islamic educational institution in Perak, had given a new dimension to the pondok school.
The madrasah, which is located within the palace grounds in front of the Ubudiah Mosque, complements the links between the role of the mosque and human and knowledge development, he added.
He said Muhammad Salleh was the first principal of the madrasah, while its first batch of students comprised 23 orphans who began their studies in August 1922.
Madrasah Idrisiah, as one of the oldest religious institutions in the state, is a treasure for the Muslim community for producing reli- gious scholars and leaders, said the Ruler.
At the event, Sultan Nazrin announced a contribution of RM500,000 from the Sultan Azlan Shah Foundation for Madrasah Idrisiah and also launched restoration work on the madrasah’s main building and hostel for girls.
Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. — Bernama
