By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Aug 25 — Muslims have been warned against attempts to fuel discord among Malaysians as a means to achieve their personal and worldly ambitions.
This was the message from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), in a strong rebuke against efforts by certain irresponsible parties at promoting disunity in the nation.
It was delivered during today's Friday sermon in all mosques and suraus across the state, a copy of which was made available on Jais' website.
The department said it is unbecoming of Muslims to resort to such weapons of disunity, adding the actions of some to continuously cause anxiety and confusion among the public through the dissemination of fake news is uncalled for.
"Differences of opinions must be resolved patriotically and through Islamic principles, by placing the nation's interests above all else.
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Members of the public waving Jalur Gemilang flags during the National Day 2022 celebration at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on August 31, 2022. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
"It should not be done by way of spreading the poisonous virus of disunity within this diverse society,” Jais said.
It would be extremely irresponsible to allow the public to become victims and collateral of certain people's greed and interests.
"If the teachings of the Qu’ran and the sunnah are taken as lessons, then differences should never be a factor of disunity,” it said.
Jais added that unity is the core upon which Malaysia gained its independence over six decades ago, when citizens from diverse backgrounds came together for the sake of the country.
Damage to this value could tear the fabric of the country's harmony and threaten its independence, it warned.
"All these must be thoroughly pondered upon, for if we do not prevent this unity framework from being damaged, then the meaning of our independence will be lost,” it said.
In this regard, Jais urged all Muslims to appreciate and defend the country's independence, and to unite in order to prevent enemies from taking advantage, failing which Malaysia risks returning to the era of colonialism.
The department also urged the younger generation to be better educated on the true meaning of independence, so they will not be influenced by the culture of immorality.
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The congregants of Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah listening to a sermon on the first day of Hari Raya Aidiladha, in Shah Alam on June 29, 2023. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
