Good manners just as important as good education, youths reminded

KUCHING (Jan 12): Today’s younger generation must uphold ‘adab’ (good manners) and value it as much as they value good education.

This was highlighted by Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) general manager Datu Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie at the ‘Back To School Programme’ and ‘YKABarber Roadshow’ here on Sunday.

He pointed out that knowledge alone was insufficient, if it went without good teachings and proper conduct.

“In Islam, ‘adab’ is taught, preserved and respected.

“It covers all aspects – from entering the bathroom and attending the mosque, to eating and being respectful to the elders.

“If we strove to uphold proper conduct, our knowledge would be more meaningful and lasting.

“Knowledge without ‘adab’ is of no value,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the ‘Back To School’ event, Abang Mohd Shibli said the Kuching leg marked the closing of the programme, which had kicked off earlier in Lawas.

“This initiative is meant to help the Muslim community, particularly families from the ‘asnaf’ (those eligible to receive ‘zakat’, or tithe) group.

“It has received strong support, and has created a positive impact not only in terms of preparing the children to return to school, but also preparing them to seek knowledge.”

The TBS general manager stressed that children from disadvantaged backgrounds should be given equal opportunities in education, adding: “Education remains the best means for improving one’s quality of life.”

Organised by TBS in collaboration with Yayasan Kepimpinan Al-Bait, the ‘Back To School’ progamme has benefitted 2,126 individuals, with the value of assistance amounting to nearly RM200,000.

Abang Mohd Shibli remarked: “At TBS, our role is also to encourage and cultivate interest in the children so that returning to school would not be seen as a burden, but rather as the first step towards success.”

He also called upon more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support similar initiatives.

On a separate note, Abang Mohd Shibli said TBS had collected RM211 million in contributions, reflecting increased public confidence in the syariah-compliant management and distribution of welfare funds.

“From that amount, more than RM150 million has been distributed as assistance to asnaf groups, and we are confident that it will have a positive and lasting impact on their well-being,” he told reporters at the event.