Majalah Al-Hikmah Edisi ke 16

Nothing in this creation stays the same. Everything changes. In the science of kalam or in the principles of Islamic faith, the Muslims are taught that The Most Perfect Creator does not change, only creations change. Change could happen due to the physical development or degradation. Change could also happen due to the thinking and mental perception. The way people look at things causes change in the perception and understanding. Glory be to Allah, who is the Most Perfect from all these changes and Who destines changes in the creations to bestow wisdom to His learned servants. TheWhat and How of the New Age or New Religious Movements One of the most fascinating things about religions is that, like all forms of life and culture, they are constantly changing. Change occurs for many reasons. Sometimes followers of one religion move into another culture, and their religion mixes with a locally established religion, thereby producing a hybrid faith. Sometimes social problems lead to the emergence of a new religion, one that helps people cope with the new social issues they face. Sometimes followers of an older religion argue among themselves and then separate, creating a new branch or occasionally, an entirely new religion or a new age movement. This humble writing purports to explain the concepts of the New Age or New Religious Movement to its readers. The emergence of many movements today calls for studies and analyses by many religious students and researchers. Some of these movements include mixed spiritual aspects and blended religious rituals in their teachings and activities, which cause questions and confusion among the observers. For Muslims, these questions and confusion must be analyzed and answered through the spectacle of Islam. It is hoped that this humble writing could provide guidance to the perplexed, tanbih al-Ha’irin fi fahm al-taghyir fi umur al-Din . Dr. Wan Mohd Fazrul Azdi bin Wan Razali Pensyarah, Fakulti Kepimpinan dan Pengurusan (FKP) & Felo Bersekutu, Institut Sains Islam (ISI), USIM wmfazrul@usim.edu.my MA JA L AH A L - H I KMAH 47