Selamat Hari Natal: My message of peace
The many faces of our society have weaved our social fabric into a unique one, one that depicts a diverse yet united society. We have lived in this diversity ever since Malacca was a busy port of international merchants and traders. There, our history began and developed to become one of the most diverse societies and that finally was embodied in the formation of an independent Malaya, along with Sabah and Sarawak, which the world knows today as the Federation of Malaysia.
We also live in a society today where diverse faiths have formed the basic character of Malaysia. Islam as the religion of the state recognises the necessity for others to practise their faiths in harmony and respect. Today, our fellow Malaysians of the Christian faith celebrate Christmas in a joyful and merry mood.
While every faith has its own unique celebration and manner in which it symbolises its gratitude during its respective celebration, I, as a fellow Malaysian and Muslim urge all Christians to continue the journey of peaceful relationship among the various faiths and to cherish our diversity as a sign of The Creator, the Almighty.
As a Muslim, I was taught by my Prophets including Isa Ibnu Maryam (peace be upon all of them) to cherish diversity and to live with respect for others. I was told by my Book (Al Quran) that it is vital I live strongly with my faith but at the same time to strongly accept diversity and live with respect (for others).
It is within this context that my conviction of a peaceful interfaith relationship has turned into a sacred struggle where the soldiers of peace and the bridge builders come together not to draw their sword on ‘others’ but to convey the message of PEACE OR SALAM, with full COMPASSION and LOVE, with DIGNITY and PRIDE.
I stand today as a fellow Malaysian in your Christmas celebration to call you to fight with me against injustice, racism and religious extremism and to say with a clear voice, “WE LOVE THIS NATION AND WE WILL NOT SURRENDER TO THOSE WHO WANT TO DESTROY IT IN THE NAME OF EXTREMISM AND TYRANNY.”
Let the celebration deservedly be for those who have the right to celebrate it today – it is my duty as a Muslim and Malaysian to protect that right. May your celebration of Christmas bring joy and happineess to all Malaysians; and forget not the poor and the needy because it is to them that we should bring joy and happiness.
“… You will find that the nearest in love to Muslim believers are those who say: We are Christians – because among them are priests as well as monks for these never puff themselves up. And when they listen to the message of the Quran handed down to the messenger Muhammad, you see their eyes overflowing with tears. For they perceive at once its truth, and they pray: O Lord, we believe – write us down among the witnesses” (Al Maidah 5: 82-83).
Selamat Hari Natal.
Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa is the Member of Parliament for Parit Buntar.
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Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia –ISMA dan Kelab Veteran Umno Malaysia menggesa agar sambutan tahun baru 2014 dibatalkan kerana Malaysia adalah sebuah negara Islam.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ5BjEGrf_Q
Sad!
Cyber warfare continues
If you don’t see God in all, you don’t see God at all….you obviously are a man of God.
Is it true that shopping malls in Malaysia are not allowed to have Santa Claus as decor …? I see they use Gingerbread man to replace Santa Claus.
Is there such (ruling) against Santa Claus?
Cyber warfare !!! Spreading malicious rumors are the expertise of certain parties. Anyway use your cool head to think about it. What next ??? Banning the chinese god of wealth rumor during CNY ???
I think such low class tactics must be stopped. Let’s debate on policy level and not stupid rumor like this 🙁
http://www.islam.gov.my/en/guidelines-muslims-celebrating-religious-festivals-non-muslims From Jakim : criteria should serve as guidelines so as not to contradict the teachings of Islam The event is not accompanied by acts against the Islamic law. The meaning of “against the Islamic law” is a thing, act, word or situation which if conducted will contradict the Islamic teachings practised by the Muslim community. For example: Wearing red costumes like Santa Claus or other garments that reflect religion; Serving intoxicating food or beverages and the likes; Having sounds or ornaments like church bells, Christmas tree, temple or breaking of coconuts; Having ceremonies with elements of gaming, worship, cult,… Read more »
@syam:
2 points:
1) “For example” is your imagination example or official example ???
2) [need expert opinion] Is Santa Claus part of certain religion ???
You are bringing the cyber warfare into next level. From illogical to idiotic.
It all started because of the controversial TV3 advertisement featuring Santa Claus that is claimed to be tahyul?
http://www.ustaznoramin.com/2010/09/iklan-raya-tv3-kontroversi.html
Rich Daddy
Your mindset is typical MCA/Gerakan. I am a Malaysian and I understand Syam just pointed to us Jakim’s definition. I appreciate that as The Star never publish jakim full interpretation with the fear like you of possible “warfare”.
We have to be more open and frank about the situation. Otherwise sweeping under carpet afraid of “chaos” is purely playing in your mind.
Don’t underestimate rural Malaysians, we are all mature enough to embrace each other thinking unlike UMNO/MCA/Gerakan/MIC still like to offer different perspective on individual platform defeating the true nature of 1Malaysia !
Today I attended the 1Malaysia Christmas Open House at the Esplanade. An inspiration and thoughtful message from the PM
While what he does is incredible admirable and truly define what Malay was and should be, there is nothing in history of Islam and Malays to suggest it will end up in the mainstream. The significance of what these things are is that it draws some bottom line to where problems in this country can lead to. The Malays have no history and stomach for real long term physical conflict. Even with the ISA and uniform forces in their hands, there is no stomach for real long term physical conflict. What these things says is that they see it potentially… Read more »
Yang, every PM did say the same piece of thing since merdeka. See now what happens. You be the judge 🙂
This Christmas if feel nolstagic and wanna recall the past sweet moments and nothing good on TV, then watch The Carpenters TV specials of the 70s. The link below. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzaxs_QD5TU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT7tbkeFYqM
after watching The Carpenters (Richard & Karen) and feel hungry post christmas, then check out Street Food International.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO7yKp3l7aI
Mariah Carey sings Joy to the World
(Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2013)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzb8QseZd2s
Today I read the paper with reports on Christmas messages by PM & DPM.
PM calls for Acceptance of diverse ethnic-culture in Malaysia (unity in diversity).
DPM not using Acceptance; but calls for Tolerance among the rakyat; and many feel he should have used the term Acceptance over Tolerance like PM.
Why ?
Because Tolerance appears to have a threshold limit while Acceptance more gentleman and embracing.
Our Education Minister cum DPM needs to be more gracious in time like this.
What say you readers ????
Let’s move from religious tolerance to religious acceptance.
Selamat Hari Natal, Merry Christmas to all readers of the Christian faith.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my dear Anilnetto.
Thank you! And have a very happy new year yourself!
Nice one !
Dear Sir, peace be upon you. Thank you for such heart warming message. Despite the racial & religious hatred slyly ‘encouraged’ by the govt, and I too truly believe that we Malaysians and mankind, regardless of religion can still live in peace as neighbours and friends. Thank you.