Governing in wisdom: The King and Queen (second and third from left, respectively) attending the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Their Majesties are flanked by the Prime Minister and his wife. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah called on the people to emulate the Prophet Muhammad’s noble character in speaking the truth, being honest and avoiding slander and lies.
Sultan Abdullah said words in the form of insults, lies and slander only undermine the country’s stability and harmony.
“Let us take heed of the fall and collapse of civilisation and the great powers of the world as a result of the culture of slander that dominated and festered in the lives of its people,” the King said in conjunction with the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday, Bernama reported.
Sultan Abdullah said after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, the phenomenon of slander led to a tragic event in Islamic history through the assassination of the third caliph, Saidina Uthman Affan.
“That’s how great a ‘fitnah’ (slander) and deception could be; they not only shed the blood of a great Islamic leader but have also destroyed the harmony and stability of the country.”
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said Muslims have always been reminded to avoid and stay away from people who do not speak the truth.
“The teachings of Islam brought by the Prophet Muhammad encompassed various aspects of human life, including navigating and governing a country with various races and religions, as well as a spectrum of different socio-economic positions.
“The Sirah (history) of Rasulullah also reflects his expertise in governing a country.
“Through his wisdom, Prophet Muhammad has succeeded in freeing mankind from ignorance and building a civilised generation,” Sultan Abdullah said.
The King said the Messenger of Allah had brought the message of Islam to continue to rise and develop in the Middle East and that it became the trigger for the progress and success of communities on other continents, which were in darkness at the time.
His Majesty also said that the Prophet’s noble character was seen as a benchmark of human values in the world’s community.
In conjunction with the celebration, Sultan Abdullah also called on the people to continue upholding the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“By doing so, we will be able to develop a civilised, successful, harmonious and prosperous country with its people embodying the virtues of humanity,” the King said.
Sultan Abdullah was also optimistic that Malaysia would reach the peak of real success when Islamic law and the Prophet’s noble character served as the basis of the country’s governance.
“Maqasid Syariah (paramount objectives in Islamic Law) should be used as a basic framework in the delivery of services so that the welfare of the people, which is the government’s responsibility, continues to be safeguarded.
“The people should be determined and committed to continue to practise the teachings brought by the Prophet,” said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also attended the celebration, themed “Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani” (Unity, the Pillar of Malaysia Madani).
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said Prophet Muhammad’s great character and conduct, including his kind and forbearing nature, are the prime examples to follow.
He said the struggle of Prophet Muhammad to preach and guide the people despite facing relentless hostility from his enemies should be an inspiration to persevere in times of hardship.
“Appreciating the struggle of the Prophet Muhammad in leading and uniting various races will certainly raise our awareness to jointly develop this beloved country as a just, peaceful and prosperous one.
“May Allah bestow His blessings and continued prosperity upon the Prophet Muhammad,” the Prime Minister said.
Separately, thousands of Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak enthusiastically took part in the Maulidur Rasul celebration to reflect on the struggles for community development inherited from Prophet Muhammad.
A drizzle in SARAWAK did not dampen the spirits of 10,991 participants from 248 contingents representing various departments and agencies who gathered in Kuching for the assembly and parade at Padang Merdeka.
The event, which started at 7.30am yesterday, was attended by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government leadership.
In SABAH, over 10,000 people participated in the state-level Maulidur Rasul parade and gathering at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu.
More than 100 contingents, consisting of government departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations, took part, covering a distance of about 3km from Padang Merdeka to the SICC.
The parade was led by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmy Yahya, and state assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya.
