KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on Malaysians to emulate the ways of the Prophet Muhammad in fostering unity and harmony.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said the Prophet fostered mutual affection and respect, regardless of race and religion, to allow unity to blossom among diverse populations.
"In the context of our country Malaysia, the administration pattern practised by Prophet Muhammad could be a prime example in the formation of unity among our multiracial and multi-religious community.
"The Prophet also did not neglect the poor and weak, so that they were able to rise to their full potential and subsequently, contribute to society," he said, in his address at the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil, here today.
Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa; and his deputy, Fuziah Salleh.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said Prophet Muhammad had successfully proven that the ability to unify is the main element required in governing a multi-religious nation.
"This could be seen in Madinah during his time, when the Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in peace and harmony under an administration based on Islamic tolerance and rules.
"In fact, Islam has always stressed on universal brotherhood and justice for all, regardless of religion and race.
"Through this approach, the rights of individuals and society would always be preserved," he added.
The Agong expressed his hope that Muslims in the country would practise the teachings of Islam and make Prophet Muhammad a role model.
"His virtues will guide us in character building and self-development.
"(And) his leadership and administration can be a guide for us to build a united nation.
"I am confident that the government will continue to safeguard the rights of people of various faiths and races (in the country), as well as help the poor and weak.
"At the same time, ongoing efforts should be made to control radicalism and any form of actions that could jeopardise national harmony," he added.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Syarie Chief Justice Datuk Daud Muhammad was named the recipient of the 2019 Maulidur Rasul Perdana Award.
He received RM50,000, a plaque and a certificate.
Four others were presented with the Maulidur Rasul Award for their outstanding contributions in promoting Islam and highlighting community issues at the national-level and on the global front.
They are Muslim-friendly hospital pioneer Datuk Dr Khalid Ibrahim, who is also Selangor health director; academician Prof Datuk Dr Asma Ismail; and two social activists – Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid.
They each received RM20,000, a plaque and a certificate.
Themed “Negara Rahmah Ummah Sejahtera”, the grand celebration was attended by more than 8,000 people from 100 contingents, including from governmental and non-governmental bodies, and students from higher learning institutions and schools.
The celebration was to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, which falls on the 12th of Rabiulawal, according to the Muslim calendar, in the year 570 AD in Makkah.