PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on everyone to come together and address differences with wisdom and manners.
He said this as the global community was looking at Malaysia as an example.
"Let them see the best, with good character. The character of the Prophet Muhammad is the best to correct and guide towards good character. It is something we, as his followers, should emulate, especially the leaders.
"The way we convey the message. The way preachers or 'da'ie' deliver their teachings or messages must be based on good character."
"Even if there are differences of opinions among us, no matter our position in the community or within an organisation, there must be the best form of manners. And the proper etiquette in addressing these differences must be observed. It should be guided by wisdom," he said.
Zahid also called on everyone to embrace the spirit of Maulidur Rasul to unite and put aside divisive matters.
"In this regard, I would like to remind myself and all of us to honour and respect Maulidur Rasul.
"Let us all come together to elevate the presence of Allah amongst us and forget the trivial matters that divide us," he said in his speech at the Malam Cinta Rasul programme here.
Also present was the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The Malam Cinta Rasul programme organised through the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, is in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration.
The programme earlier began with congregational Maghrib and Isyak prayers.
The programme also features four speakers: the Selangor Mufti Datuk Anhar Opir; the Penang Mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman; the Sabah Deputy Mufti Datuk Abdul Manap Lakariba; and Habib Ali Zainal Abidin.
In conveying his solidarity with Palestine, Zahid called on Malaysians to support them ahead of the coming winter.
"We have to stand up for the plight of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We can still offer 'selawat' here, while they continue to face a barrage of bullets and bombs.
"Let us, the 'ummah' of Malaysia, support them by donating whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters in Gaza, especially as they face winter and the continuing rain of bullets.
"Let us pray for peace of Palestine and for victory to arrive, with it becoming an independent nation. God willing," he said.