Do not use mosques to divide people - Tengku Abdullah

The Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called on Muslims not to turn the mosque into a place to divide people just because of differing opinions.

He said that differences could be due to political leaning that should not be brought to the mosque as it was a place of worship and the symbol of the greatness of Islam and unity of the nation.

Tengku Abdullah added that Muslims should always enliven the mosques, as recommended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob that the mosque should be used as a meeting place to further develop the lives of Muslims.

"I sincerely hope that all parties do not turn the mosque into a place that divide people.

"It does not matter if there are elements of politics. If possible, we stay united under one roof in the house of God especially among the Malays," said Tengku Abdullah after officiating the Cengal Lempong Mosque in Balok here yesterday.

Also gracing the event was Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

In addition to the reciting Yasin, tahlil and prayers, the event also celebrated the 31st wedding anniversary of Tengku Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah.

In his speech, Tengku Abdullah also expressed his pride in seeing efforts taken by the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) and the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) in the management of mosques and surau in the state.

"It was amazing, especially with the construction of more than 600 mosques in the state that are fully equipped with various facilities.

"The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, has always given priority to agenda related to Islam and the Malays, however, at the same time, does not marginalise others," he said.

At the event, Tengku Abdullah also consented that the new mosque in Cengal Lampung, costing RM4 million, be named after him as Tengku Abdullah Alhaj Mosque.

-- BERNAMA