KUALA LUMPUR: The people should be loyal to the country, respect the constitution and abide by the law, as well as be responsible to jointly maintain the socio-cultural stability that is inherent in the country, such as by being respectful of each other’s race, religion and culture.
The Imam of Kampung Baru Mosque, Muhammad Asem Salleh Sani said Muslims should make Prophet Muhammad and his companions as models and examples in their interaction within the nation’s multi-cultural society.
He said the key was to be tolerant.
“Islam teaches its followers to inculcate good feelings of patriotism and love for the nation for the sake of the religion. Prophets of the past, especially Prophet Ibrahim A S professed his love for his nation in his supplication to Allah SWT. The basis of his love was for his religion,” he said in his Friday sermon at the mosque here yesterday.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah also joined the mosque congregation for the Friday prayer. Also present were the Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
The sermon, with the title “Revere The Monarchy, Respect The Nation”, was delivered in conjunction with the appointment of Sultan Abdullah as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong last Jan 24.
His Majesty succeeded Sultan Muhammad V, the Sultan of Kelantan, who stepped down as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 6 after reigning for just over two years from Dec 13, 2016.
Muhammad Asem said matters relating to the country’s leadership were very important and vital in Islam.
“They (leaders) act to fulfil the trust and responsibility of managing a nation with fairness. As such, there is a conducive atmosphere, stable political situation, good economic development, education development and other good things due to the many blessings bestowed (by Allah) upon the citizens,” he added.
He said obeying leaders who are fair and just was obligatory as had been agreed by majority of the religious scholars.
“The command comes from Allah SWT. If citizens disobey leaders who are fair and just, then they are also disobeying Allah SWT,” he added.
He expressed sadness at the situation today, saying that there were still people in the society who belittled the royal institution and its role.
“They also profess their hatred towards the institution by ridiculing, disparaging and giving bad names to it in the social media.
“What is sad is that they are done by Muslims themselves. This is not to be considered a small and petty matter. In fact, if it is allowed to continue, it may erode the society’s trust and confidence in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and will tarnish the image of the country’s highest administrative institution,” he added.
Such actions, he said, should be deemed as treason. – Bernama
