KUALA LUMPUR: In a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians, Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan here was officially established as the ‘adopted mosque’ of Masjidil Aqsa in Palestine – the third holiest site in Islam.
The move follows the United States’ widely-condemned recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel last week.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the initiative underscores the support required by Palestinians from the Muslim ummah, including Malaysians, to reject US president Donald Trump’s declaration on Jerusalem on Dec 6.
"The announcement made by Trump is a contravention and violation of international laws.
"We initially wanted to announce Masjid Wilayah as the twin mosque to Masjidil Aqsa, but seeing that its maqam (position) is too high above ours, we have named Masjid Wilayah as the adopted mosque to the third holiest mosque in Islam," he said.
Speaking to reporters during the MyAqsa International Forum on 100 Years of the Balfour Declaration, Jamil Khir said that establishing Masjid Wilayah as Masjidil Aqsa’s twin mosque will place further attention on the need to achieve justice for the occupied Palestinian people.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will also attend numerous international sessions to highlight the voices of Malaysians and the Muslim community towards ensuring that Trump’s decision is ultimately rejected.
"Our adopted father mosque needs help at the moment.
"If we can talk about the Rohingya, the people of Syria, Libya, Yemen and Egypt, what more the third holiest site in Islam?
"My hope is that with forums such as this, awareness on the issue is spread (far and wide) and we can proceed to unite to achieve freedom for Masjidil Aqsa and Jerusalem," Jamil Khir added.
In a written reply to MyAqsa, Head Imam of Masjidil Aqsa Sheikh Dr Ekrima Said Sabri said he welcomed the decision to establish Masjid Wilayah as the adopted mosque of Masjdil Aqsa.
"I value and thank the concern of the people of Malaysia," he said on Saturday.
Also present at the forum was Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha.