International Symposium on Touching Life With Akhi Order

Prof. Dr. Norma Md Saad delivered a comparative presentation titled “Malaysia MADANI and the Akhi Order in Ottoman Türkiye: A Comparative Study of Shared Islamic Economic Values.” The session explored parallels between Malaysia’s contemporary MADANI framework and the historical Akhi Order—a Turkish-Islamic brotherhood organization that flourished between the 13th and 19th centuries.

The presentation highlighted how both systems embody Islamic moral and economic principles, emphasizing justice, compassion, social welfare, and ethical governance. Malaysia MADANI, introduced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, seeks to humanize the nation’s economy through equitable growth, inclusivity, and trust-based governance. Similarly, the Akhi Order upheld ethical craftsmanship, vocational integrity, and mutual aid grounded in Sufi discipline.

Prof. Norma discussed key points of comparison, including:

• Ethical Foundations: Justice, dignity, compassion, and civic morality.

• Vocational and Economic Systems: Integration of skills training with ethical mentorship.

• Social Welfare: Redistribution and compassion through community-based initiatives.

• Governance: Balancing state-led coordination with community moral authority.

The presentation concluded that both models provide valuable insights for modern governance. The Ahilik tradition, with its emphasis on community ethics and social solidarity, offers meaningful lessons for the localized implementation of Malaysia MADANI’s moral-economic vision.