SHAH ALAM, June 16 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj today reiterated his call for Muslims to prioritise unity in the face of various challenges, in conjunction with the Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration.
The Ruler said the celebration, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, is not a mere commemoration of a physical migration, but a symbol of positive change and the unification of the ummah.
“I still remember the advice of my father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, who often reminded us not to air our dirty laundry,” the Sultan said in a Maal Hijrah 1448H message posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page today.
“This means if there are any issues, differences of opinion or matters that need to be corrected, they should be voiced with wisdom and decorum. If advice or criticism needs to be given, it should be done in a good and courteous manner,” His Royal Highness said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said issues should be resolved through private discussion, guided mutual respect, and a shared commitment to finding the best solution.
Matters that can be settled amicably should not be aired out to the extent of triggering open disputes that would only expose the ummah and the nation’s weaknesses, the Ruler added.
“When we quarrel openly, others will see those weaknesses and it is not impossible that some may take advantage of the divisions that arise. If such a situation is allowed to persist, no one will truly emerge as the winner,” the Sultan said.
His Royal Highness also called on Muslims to embrace the spirit of Hijrah by strengthening unity, fostering tolerance and placing the interests of religion, race and the nation above personal or group interests.
Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that the new Islamic year would bring blessings, peace and prosperity to all and mark a renewed effort to strengthen unity and harmony among Muslims and society at large.
