Tn. Hj. Che Yusof Che Mat
Executive Council Member, Gual Periok Foundation
It is with profound respect and gratitude that I offer my warmest greetings on the occasion of World Philosophy Day 2025, to be held on 20 November at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur.
Human life, in all its complexity, requires philosophy. It is philosophy that allows us to reflect, to question, and to navigate the meaning of our existence. Without philosophy, life risks becoming mechanical—devoid of reflection, purpose, and higher values. It is therefore essential that we recognize philosophy not as an abstract discipline, but as a living foundation upon which individuals and societies build their moral strength and vision for the future.
For us at Yayasan Gual Periok, philosophy is inseparable from the eternal wisdom of the Qur’an. The Qur’an itself is philosophy—revealing principles of truth, justice, and compassion that guide humanity through every age. It is a text that transcends time, offering not only spiritual enlightenment but also intellectual clarity. To approach the Qur’an as philosophy is to appreciate it as a profound guide to the harmonious integration of faith, reason, and action.
A good philosophy must be nurtured and cultivated, for it is the seed from which harmonious life grows. Just as fertile soil is necessary for crops to flourish, so too must a society enrich its philosophical foundations in order to produce peace, understanding, and unity. In this sense, philosophy is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is the very ground upon which we build sustainable coexistence.
As we celebrate World Philosophy Day 2025, let us carry forward this awareness—that philosophy, when rooted in truth and nourished with sincerity, is the key to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
