Kuala lumpur: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today issued a stern reminder to community leaders not to use Islam as a political tool for personal interests. His Majesty emphasized that Islam should serve as the foundation, including in national governance, based on values, justice, and compassion, in line with the complete principles of syariah, which encompass all aspects of life.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his concerns during his address at the national-level Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). His Majesty underscored the importance of not exploiting religion for political interests, spreading slander, or inciting hatred, as these actions could ultimately divide society.
Sultan Ibrahim also stressed that platforms for dakwah (Islamic preaching) and religious teaching should not be utilized to promote political agendas but should remain spaces to strengthen unity among the ummah. He urged respect for the Federal Constitution, which he credited for the nation's strong unity, as it outlines the values of togetherness, power equity, responsibility, and consensus.
Furthermore, His Majesty decreed that the country's administration must be guided by Islamic syariah and not influenced by secular or liberal ideologies. He called on national leaders to emulate the qualities of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was wise and just.
Sultan Ibrahim emphasized the importance of building a civilization founded on Islamic values, stating that true development encompasses morality, knowledge, and humanity. His Majesty highlighted the significance of the Prophet's Hijrah (migration) to Madinah, which laid the foundation for the Medina Charter, promoting justice, consensus, and diversity.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to former Johor Mufti Datuk Dr. Nooh Gadot as the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah, as the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah for 1447H/2025M. The event was attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and nearly 8,000 guests.
The National-level Maal Hijrah celebration carried the theme 'Membangun Ummah MADANI', urging Muslims to draw lessons from the Prophet's Hijrah to build a more civilised, inclusive, and balanced society, both spiritually and physically, while striving to establish a MADANI nation.