Sultan Nazrin calls for less political rivalry among Malaysia’s Muslim leaders

IPOH, Aug 25 — The unity of Muslims is facing growing challenges due to differences in politics, religious schools of thought, race and personal interests, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah said.

Sultan Nazrin said these factors, coupled with the pursuit of influence, rank, position, wealth and worldly comforts, were increasingly overshadowing the spirit of brotherhood, causing ukhuwah among Muslims to be sidelined.

He stressed that Muslim leaders, Islamic organisations and movements should avoid unnecessary disputes and minimise political rivalry, while giving greater priority to initiatives that could strengthen the identity and progress of the ummah.

“It is encouraging and something for which we should be grateful that while political leaders and groups choose to compete and engage in disputes, there are also individuals and organisations pioneering positive efforts to raise awareness in Islamic education.

“These include Islamic economics, Islamic finance, the halal industry, waqf, digital dakwah and strengthening family institutions. Such efforts must be expanded, reinforced and successfully implemented,” Sultan Nazrin said in his royal address at the Perak-level Maulidur Rasul celebration here today.

Also present were the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Perak Raja Muda Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Di Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin were also in attendance.

The Sultan also highlighted the challenges facing Muslim identity and the values of the ummah due to increasing exposure to global influences, including social media, popular culture, entertainment and modern lifestyles.

He said wise approaches and strategies were needed to ensure that progress and modernisation did not erode Islamic principles and identity.

“Efforts must be made to strike a balance so that modernisation does not lead to a loss of confidence in one’s own identity,” he said. — Bernama