Hafiz Hamidun rejects ustaz and preacher titles
Singer-composer Hafiz Hamidun refuses to be called ustaz or preacher because the titles carry heavy responsibilities he does not want to shoulder, he told Gempak at the launch of his album Salawat The Beloved.
Source: Astro Mustika HD · August 27, 2026 at 1:50 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 27 AUGUST 2026 —
Malaysian Artist Hafiz Hamidun Rejects Religious Titles, Cites Heavy Responsibilities
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Reuters) – Malaysian singer and composer Hafiz Hamidun has declined to be addressed as ustaz (religious scholar) or pendakwah (preacher), citing the significant burdens associated with such titles.
Speaking at the launch of his latest album, Salawat The Beloved, Hafiz emphasized that these labels carry responsibilities that extend beyond artistic expression. “I don’t want people to call me with such heavy titles. For example, I’m not an ustaz. I’m not a preacher, dai, or Imam Muda. I know these titles come with immense weight,” he said in an interview with Gempak.
The 22-year industry veteran, who has released Islamic-themed music for over two decades, acknowledged the complexities of navigating the genre. “This path isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t say it’s difficult either because I’ve been doing it for so long. I understand what people expect,” he added.
Hafiz stressed the importance of ensuring his work does not reflect poorly on Islam, rejecting perceptions of exploiting religion for personal gain. “We must ensure our actions don’t tarnish our faith. I don’t want people to say we’re riding on religion,” he said.
Despite his reluctance to adopt religious titles, Hafiz remains open to collaboration across diverse groups, rejecting exclusivity in favor of broader cooperation. “I befriend everyone. I’ve never said, ‘If you’re like this, I won’t be your friend.’ Ideally, I want everyone to be my friend because we share common goals,” he explained.
His latest album, Salawat The Beloved, reflects his commitment to creating meaningful content while avoiding controversy. Hafiz aims for his music to have a positive impact, even if incremental. “Even if it’s just a little, I want people to gain something from what I do,” he said.
Industry observers note Hafiz’s pragmatic approach in balancing artistic freedom with religious sensitivities—a strategy that has helped him sustain a career in Islamic music amid evolving societal expectations.
Malaysia’s Islamic Music Sector: A Niche with Growing Influence
The Malaysian Islamic music scene has evolved over the past two decades, with artists like Hafiz Hamidun playing a key role in shaping its direction. While the genre remains a niche compared to mainstream pop, it holds cultural and religious significance, particularly during Ramadan and other Islamic events.
Hafiz’s refusal to adopt religious titles aligns with a broader trend among Malaysian Muslim artists who seek to distance themselves from potential controversies tied to religious figures. This cautious approach reflects concerns over public scrutiny, as seen in past cases involving Islamic personalities in Malaysia.
Outlook: Balancing Artistry and Religious Expectations Hafiz’s latest album release comes as Malaysia’s Islamic music market continues to grow, driven by digital consumption and demand for spiritually themed content. His emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity may further expand his appeal beyond traditional audiences.
However, the challenge of maintaining artistic integrity while adhering to religious expectations remains a delicate balance. As Hafiz continues to navigate this space, his approach could set a precedent for emerging artists in the genre.
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