Saturday December 19, 2009

Work together to enhance cooperation, Sultan Abdul Halim tells Muslims

By DHARMENDER SINGH

PUTRAJAYA: Muslims in Malaysia need to work towards greater cooperation so that they can resolve their differences amicably and wisely and live in harmony, said Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

Sultan Abdul Halim said Islam was a religion of unity and the reflection and understanding of the religion’s actual teachings would bring about better harmony and unity among all Malaysians including non-Muslims.

He said everyone should feel responsible for building unity of the community and put this objective above individual or group interests.

“Any differences of opinion that can put the ummah (Muslim community) on the losing end or cause a split among them must be resolved properly and wisely.

Honoured: Sultan Abdul Halim having a closer look of the medals of Maal Hijrah award recipients (from left) Dr Yusuf and Yusoff at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday. Looking on is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (third from right). — Bernama

“(Even) during the time of the Prophet, there were differences in opinions and views among those close to him but they practised the spirit of give and take (to overcome them) for the sake of maintaining the unity of the ummah,” he said in his speech at the national-level Maal Hijrah celebrations yesterday.

He also called on all Muslims to adopt good behaviour encouraged by the religion and stay away from bad practices like spreading fitnah (lies) and harbouring feelings of envy, suspicion and hatred.

He later presented the Tokoh Maal Hijrah awards to Felda group chairman Tan Sri Yusoff Nor and World Union of Muslim Ulama chairman Prof Dr Yusuf Abdullah Ali al-Qaradawi.

Speaking to reporters later, Yusoff said he would continue to help the Muslim community in the country.

He added that there was still a lot for him to do in the area.

“My mission is to help Muslims and at the same time, create a better understanding of the religion among Muslims and those from other faiths,” he said.

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