KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak today urged Muslims to defend the purity of Islam, as well as the existing harmony between people of various religious beliefs in the country.
He said understanding and tolerance were the mainstays of unity amongst the people of Malaysia, who come from different races and subscribe to different religious beliefs.
The prime minister said Muslims should use the bombing at the Ar-Raudhah mosque in North Sinai in Egypt, which saw 235 killed, as a lesson that the lack of unity causes much trouble.
“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and condemn the bombing. And we will continue to lend our voices to our Muslim brethren who are marginalised, such as Palestinians and the Rohingya.
“Let us pray that Allah grants fortitude and a firmness of faith to those of our brethren who are experiencing trials and tribulations, wherever they may be,” he said in his message in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul, uploaded on his official blog at najibrazak.com, today.
Najib said the unity of the ummah was something which should be treasured, adding that such feelings should be inculcated as a basic foundation in the family institution.
This, he said, was in line with this year’s theme for Maulidur Rasul — “Kesatuan Ummah Kesejahteraan Negara (United Ummah, Prosperous Nation)”.
“We are always steadfast in our transformation towards becoming an Islamic nation which is developed and progressive under the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) plan, based on Syariah objectives and holding to Sunni principles,” he said.
Najib also urged Muslims to follow Prophet Muhammad’s example in all aspects of life and remember his efforts in spreading the religion.
“It is my hope that with the celebration of Maulidur Rasul and our commitment to unity, Allah will forever bless this beloved nation of ours,” he said.