IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, voice tinged with emotion, recited prayers for the unity and well-being of Malaysians during the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration tonight.
“Allah, unite our hearts, mend our relationships, protect us from the darkness of ignorance, guide us to the straight path, grant us Your guidance and light our souls with faith and piety.
“Make us a united people, loving, respectful, and cooperative in goodness. Keep us away from division, enmity, and hatred. Bind our hearts with faith and love for Your sake, O Allah,” he prayed.
Sultan Nazrin’s heartfelt doa concluded his speech during the event at Casuarina @ Meru Hotel here.
Also in attendance were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The celebration also honoured exemplary individuals who have contributed to the community.
A mother of six, Umi Kalsom Bahak, 74, from Bidor, was named Tokoh Keluarga Mithali (Anugerah Keluarga Ammar bin Yasir).
She received the award from Sultan Nazrin, bringing home RM10,000, an umrah package worth RM9,000, and a plaque.
Other awards presented included Tokoh Pendakwah (Anugerah Ibnu Abbas) to Wan Masindra Juja, Anugerah Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO Award) to Perak ABIM, and Tokoh Imam (Anugerah Pegawai Masjid) to Rosli Mat.
Sultan Nazrin also presented the Tokoh Bilal (Anugerah Pegawai Masjid) to Sirat Abdullah, the Tokoh Siak (Anugerah Pegawai Masjid) to Mat Yusoff Suliman, and a Special Award to Ismail Muhamad Zin.
Each recipient received RM5,000 and a plaque.
Earlier in his speech, Sultan Nazrin reminded that the agreements reached at the time of the nation’s independence must not be questioned indiscriminately.
He said such actions could weaken mutual trust and respect and may be further inflamed by political rhetoric that exploits race and religion to create division.
Sultan Nazrin also said that the spread of slander and hatred has worsened, particularly on social media, fuelling deeper divisions.
He said the Muslim community is exposed daily to offensive speech, insults, ridicule, and mockery directed at those with differing views, creating a toxic culture that contradicts Islamic ethics and Malay traditions.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
