Spirit of ‘Hubbul Watan’ Must Be Translated Through Principle of ‘Ta’ayush’ – Zulkifli

SERDANG: The spirit of hubbul watan (love for the country) must be translated through the principle of ta’ayush or harmonious coexistence in the context of Malaysia’s multi-religious and multi-racial society, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said Prophet Muhammad SAW taught Muslims to maintain human relations on the basis of ukhuwah insaniah (human brotherhood), while among Muslims, they are bound by a strong ukhuwah Islamiah (Islamic brotherhood).

“Therefore, differences in political views, diversity of skin colour and social backgrounds should not be a reason to hate, insult or incite one another.

“In a plural society, every citizen has a responsibility to preserve harmony, reject hate speech and provocations that can damage relations between communities,” he said when speaking at the 1448/2026 National Maulidur Rasul Celebration here, today.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Also present were Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.

Zulkifli said love for Prophet Muhammad SAW should produce an ummah that is a source of peace, peacemakers and a bridge connecting communities, not a cause of enmity, instigators or a wall that separates.

He said the changes brought about in the administration of Prophet Muhammad SAW were not ordinary changes, but rather an extraordinary paradigm shift.

“He did not merely lead, but he instilled a new spirit in socialising the citizens of Madinah.

“He succeeded in translating the concept of ‘diversity’ as a strength, strengthening the ties of ukhuwah among Muslims, building bridges of human brotherhood with non-Muslims, and thus forming a cohesive Madinah society,” he said.

Zulkifli said the appreciation of this year’s National Maulidur Rasul Celebration theme, “MADANI Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati” (MADANI Embraced, Ummah Blessed), also carries deep meaning for the followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

He said embracing the MADANI aspiration is not merely an effort to understand a government policy, but is a process of translating the noble values of Islam into the system of community and national life.

“We believe, if we continue to close ranks, strengthen unity among ourselves, pool our efforts towards prospering the nation, the outcome will bring blessings to the country and the entire ummah,” he said.

BERNAMA