THE SYAHADAH PARADIGM IN PRESERVING THE HARMONY OF MALAYSIAN SOCIETY AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE RUKUN NEGARA

Human nature inherently seeks a supreme power to deliver the soul and body from hardship. Each religion fulfils this innate need with varying approaches. The syahadah paradigm is a pivotal element in the lives of Muslims. The principles of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) ensure societal harmony and well-being by placing belief in God as the foremost principle to be understood from the perspective of each respective religion. This study investigates the syahadah paradigm within the lives of Muslims and its role in preserving the harmony of Malaysian society and the principles of the Rukun Negara. A qualitative approach was employed in this research by analysing literature and documents, encompassing both classical and modern sources. The findings of this study indicate that the syahadah paradigm significantly contributes to the preservation of harmony within Malaysian society, aligning with the aspirations of the Rukun Negara. The government needs to strengthen the syahadah paradigm and societal understanding of the importance of religion to maintain harmony and uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara. Therefore, the understanding of religion among Malaysians is significant in contributing to the building of identity and a national character shaped by the Malaysian context.