KUALA LUMPUR: Negri Sembilan, Penang and Kelantan held Maulidur Rasul celebrations last night to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
In NEGRI SEMBILAN, the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Almarhum Tuanku Munawir called on religious scholars and preachers in the state to look at appropriate preaching methodologies in dealing with various religious issues in the community, especially involving the young generation.
He said it was important as we are living a modern life and in a more open world due to information technology.
He said guidelines on the procedures to preach Islam are contained in the Al-Quran, emphasising methods that can empower the intellectualism of dakwah (Islamic propagation) and bring peace to the community, incorporating wisdom, lessons and reminders and orderly and polite discussions.
"The community should obtain the benefits in the right way, guided by the true teachings of Islam," he said adding that teachings and reminders that are delivered prudently will leave a deep impression on people, attracting them to learn more about Islam.
Tuanku Muhriz said this at the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at the State Mosque in Seremban, attended by about 1,000 worshippers.
He said Islam must be protected and propagated through a respectful approach and implemented without coercion, pressure and violence.
In PENANG, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak urged Muslims to appreciate the theme of this year's celebration, which is 'Keluarga Malaysia Pemangkin Kemakmuran' (Malaysian Family as the Catalyst of Prosperity) and to emulate the qualities and attitude demonstrated by the Prophet.
"The theme involves the concept of inclusion, togetherness and gratitude; therefore I believe that the Malaysian Family that emulates the characteristics and attitude of the Prophet can be the catalyst for Malaysia's progress," he said at the Maulidur Rasul celebration held at the Abdullah Fahim Mosque, in Bertam.
Yayasan Restu executive chairman Datuk Abdul Latiff Mirasa, 77, who was the Seberang Jaya assemblyman from 1995 to 2000, was honoured with the state-level Maulidur Rasul Personality award during the event.
In KELANTAN, the Regent of Kelantan Tengku Dr Muhammad Faiz Petra attended the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration held at the Muhammadi Mosque, Kota Bharu.
Upon arrival at 7pm yesterday, he was greeted by Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Abdullah Ya'kub and Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) president Tengku Tan Sri Mohamad Rizam Tengku Abdul Aziz.
He then proceeded to perform the congregational Maghrib and Isyak prayers with more than 500 worshippers.
This year's state Maulidur Rasul Personality award winner Dr Mohd Zain Mohmood delivered a Maulidur Rasul lecture after the prayers.--BERNAMA