King: Don't use Islam for own gains
KUALA LUMPUR: Politicians and political parties should stop riding on Islam for their own personal interests, decrees His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Islam should be used to enhance national interests for the good of the people, said Sultan Ibrahim, adding that governance should be rooted in Islamic values.
'I wish to remind community leaders not to politicise Islam for personal gain. Instead, let us practise politics rooted in Islamic values for the benefit of the nation.
'This means governance must be grounded in the Shariah (Islamic law), not influenced by secular or liberal ideologies.
'Islam is a complete and perfect religion, sufficient for all aspects of life.
'No party should exploit religion for political interests or spread slander and hatred that ultimately divide society.
'I have long emphasised that the platforms of propagation and Islamic education should never be used to promote partisan political agendas.
'Let us collectively safeguard the sanctity of Islam and defend the unity of the ummah in harmony,' decreed Sultan Ibrahim.
His Majesty decreed this in his royal address at the national Maal Hijrah celebrations at the Malaysia International Trade and Convention Centre (Mitec) here yesterday.
His Majesty was accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Royal presence: Sultan Ibrahim (centre) with (from left) Anwar, Maal Hijrah Award recipients Datuk Dr Nooh Gadot and Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah and Mohd Na'im in conjunction with the Maal Hijrah celebration at Mitec, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Maal Hijrah, also known as Awal Muharram, is the first day of the Muslim new year, based on the hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madinah.
Sultan Ibrahim called upon all Muslims to understand the great responsibility of building a civilisation grounded in Islamic values.
'True development is not merely physical; it must also encompass character, knowledge and humanity.
'Those who strive in the path of Allah with their wealth and lives are promised a high rank in His sight. These are the ones who truly attain success.
'The migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madinah was a historic journey that laid the foundation for the constitution of Madinah – a crucial document that established the principles of justice, consensus and diversity.
'In our country, the unity we enjoy today stems from the Federal Constitution, which enshrines the values of justice, balanced power, shared responsibility and the spirit of consensus.
'Therefore, all parties must uphold the Constitution and never ignite the flames of hostility in the name of race or religion, which could jeopardise national peace.
'Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace. We must all embrace Islam as a true way of life – not just through outward appearance or clothing that seems Islamic, but through noble character and daily practices that reflect Islamic values.
'I urge those in administration and leadership positions to emulate the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad and never oppress the weak.
'Let us work hand in hand to build a nation that not only succeeds in the eyes of the world, but is also blessed by God,' Sultan Ibrahim decreed.
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