By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Dec 29 — The second day of Festival Darul Ehsan Berselawat at Setia City Park Oval Lawn here last night successfully gathered tens of thousands of Muslims.
Attended by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad, the festival saw echoes of Islamic prose by the Syubbanul Muslimin group.
Among Islamic laureates present were Habib Nael Ben Taher, Guz Hafiz, dan Azian Man at the programme held ahead of the new year.
[caption id="attachment_384779" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Madrasah Ribat Ahmadiah student Muhammad Zaim Hakim Mohd Zahili, 16, speaks to reporters at Festival Darul Ehsan Berselawat at Setia City Park, Setia Alam, on December 28, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Madrasah Ribat Ahmadiah student Muhammad Zaim Hakim Mohd Zahili, 16, was drawn to the event after seeing it on TikTok.
“When I saw the post, I invited my friend Muhammad Syabil Che Amran to come with me. We decided to take a bus and live with my friend’s sister in Rawang.
“At first, my mother wouldn’t give me her blessing as I had never travelled very far, but praise be to God, I finally received her permission. I am thankful I get to experience this selawat programme that has not been held in any other state,” he said.
Religious schoolteacher Handzalah Pandi said he took his students to the event of his own volition to give them early exposure to religious events.
“For three days, I’ve been bringing 16 students to help them (meet) Islamic laureates.
“Though repetitive, I don’t mind, as it is important for youth to gain exposure to programmes such as these. I hope this programme can be continued for youth,” the SK Sungai Sireh teacher said.
[caption id="attachment_384778" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Technician Nur Syafiqah Sahabudin, 24, speaks to reporters at Festival Darul Ehsan Berselawat at Setia City Park, Setia Alam, on December 28, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Technician Nur Syafiqah Sahabudin, 24, said she was willing to use up her annual leave to attend the event.
“I don’t mind using up my annual leave as no other state has held such an event… only Selangor.
“My sister and her two friends accompanied me to this event. I was excited for this programme as there were many knowledge sharing (sessions), especially on the prophet’s sirah,” the Kuantan resident said.
The state government frequently holds Festival Darul Ehsan Berselawat, including ahead of the new year and Merdeka Day, to unite Muslims.
This year, the programme was held several times, including during the Central Zone Madani Rakyat Programme at the Kuala Selangor Sports Complex on February 23.
On June 2, Festival Darul Ehsan Berselawat was also held at the Selangor Turath Islami Festival closing ceremony at the Shah Alam Stadium Carnival Square, and on August 31 at the Shah Alam Independence Square.
