ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the implementation of the "Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith” appreciation module in public schools is for Muslim students in the country to master and truly understand Islam.

He said the government is worried that existing Islamic education would cause the younger generation to be easily influenced as they do not fully understand the teachings of Islam.

"The hadith appreciation module is a basis for Muslims, especially the young, for them to master and understand Islam.

"So, please don’t misunderstand (it’s implementation) as we are not forcing it on non-Muslim students,” he said.

Anwar added that if the knowledge is limited to where it is now, then non-Muslims would also think that cursing, slander, and lies were accepted in Islam.

"So, the solution is to study Islamic knowledge which is based on the Al-Quran and its explanation by authoritative scholars,” he told reporters after attending a unity government leadership programme at the Sunway Hotel Big Box here today.

Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said that the hadith module is directly related to the stability, well-being, and harmony of a multiracial and religious society like Malaysia.

He hopes that the issue will no longer be raised, especially by the non-Muslim community in this country.

"I hope this explanation will not raise any suspicions in our education system.

"Some do not like Islam to be taught, others use Islam but not with the basis of knowledge. Therefore, we have to find the right way, which is to give Muslims an understanding of Islam and not force non-Muslims,” said Anwar.

Earlier in his speech, the Tapah MP also called on the non-Muslim community to understand and added that this is a way to save the country’s future

He said that the government has no choice unless the children of the Muslim community are given proper religious education.

"Otherwise, we will leave our children to the victims of slanderers who are considered having the authority,” said Anwar.

Earlier, it was reported that the Education Ministry announced that it will start implementing the "Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith” appreciation module in schools, with the aim of fostering the spirit of kindness and love.

The move is an effort to strengthen religious understanding among Muslim teachers and students and will be implemented on a pilot basis. It will involve Muslim teachers and students in 61 Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (secondary religious schools) and 228 government-aided religious schools nationwide.