PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wishes all Malaysian Muslims “Selamat Aidiladha” in conjunction with the “Festival of Sacrifice”.
He expressed hope that Aidiladha would be celebrated in an atmosphere of prosperity, peace and full of blessings.
He urged Muslims in Malaysia to appreciate the concept of sacrifice as demanded by Islam, where one was willing to sacrifice time and money, body and soul, thoughts, feelings and self-interest to obtain the blessings of Allah.
Najib said Malaysia upheld the concept of sacrifice by acting as the mediator to end the bloody conflict of over 40 years between Manila and the Bangsamoro in the southern Philippines.
“This certainly is a sacrifice that we can be proud of. The genuine commitment in helping end conflict affecting a particular country has led to Malaysia being recognised as a progressive and dynamic Islamic nation,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidiladha message to the nation’s Muslim community, which was posted on his 1Malaysia blog.
The Philippine government and the MILF sealed their historic peace agreement on Oct 15, with Malaysia as the mediator, to end four decades of conflict.
Najib said Malaysia’s role in helping to resolve conflicts was appreciated.
“This was proven by the recognition of the world’s leading scholar Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who expressed gratitude and appreciation for Malaysia’s consistent efforts to support and assist the Palestinian people over the years,” he added.
Najib also called on Muslims in the country to pray for Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca so that they could have a blessed pilgrimage and return home safely.
“The pilgrimage undertaken each year brings with it a thousand and one lessons,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his message, urged Muslims to renew their resolve and commitment to build and strengthen solidarity of the ummah.
In making the call, Muhyiddin said Aidiladha called on unity of the ummah and the spirit of brotherhood among Muslims regardless of race.
“Let us not neglect unity of the ummah which is the pillar of strength for the Muslims in facing the challenges ahead,” he said.
– THE STAR
