2024 © New Straits Times, New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (Co. No. 196101000449 / 4485 H). A part of Media Prima Group.

ALOR STAR: The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has reminded Muslims not to sacrifice their identity as Muslims merely for power, wealth, rank and popularity.

Sultan Sallehuddin decreed that such matters are all temporary and will not last long.

“Instead, prioritise brotherhood, integrity, quality of character and blessings in all our actions.

“Do not let the desire for worldly achievements and rapid success lead us to sacrifice religious principles and destroy humanity by committing harm on Allah’s earth,” he said during his opening speech at the state-level Maal Hijrah Gathering at Wisma Darul Aman here today.

Present was Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin.

Also present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, state secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali, State Assembly speaker Zubir Ahmad, and state mufti Datuk Syeikh Fadzil Awang.

The theme of this year’s Maal Hijrah is “Al-Falah, Pemacu Malaysia Madani.”

At the event, Sultan Sallehuddin also presented the state’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah award to Kedah-born former Masjid Negara Imam Datuk Taib Azamudden Md Taib.

Sultan Sallehuddin also stressed that today’s Muslims must build a strong spiritual foundation to avoid being easily influenced by their surroundings and desires.

He said that weak spirituality among Muslims leads to various issues such as moral crises, ethical problems, and the collapse of family and societal institutions.

“Therefore, to ensure the wellbeing of Muslims, we must manage all aspects of life based on the principles outlined by Shariah, while strengthening Islamic institutions such as mosques and suraus.

“Unity is the most crucial foundation for the prosperity of oneself, society, and the nation. Human history shows that the rise and fall of a nation depend on spiritual strength, not physical power.

“The ‘hijrah’ of Prophet Muhammad also brought success by transforming enmity into unity, ignorance into knowledge, and backwardness into progress,” he said.

Hence, Sultan Sallehuddin urged Muslims to avoid creating divisions, which are very detrimental.

“Do not let non-Muslims mock us or take the opportunity to degrade Islam because of our own weaknesses. Follow the guidance taught by Prophet Muhammad in the Hijrah event.”

He added that history has shown that success does not come without continuous effort and requires various sacrifices.

“Hijrah also needs to happen gradually, with the hope of yielding results eventually.

“Most importantly, maintain our worship to Allah, followed by our relationships with fellow humans,” he said.