KUALA LUMPUR:Muslims in the country today expressed their love and affection for Prophet Muhammad through various programmes organised in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration while embracing the new norms.

This year’s celebration focuses on the hosting of virtual programmes as well as at mosques while adhering to the standard operating procedures, a stark contrast from previous years where thousands of Muslims would take part in parades across the country to commemorate the historic moment of the birth of the Prophet.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) hosted a two-day programme entitled 'Semarak Cinta Rasul', broadcast live on TV1 and Jakim Facebook starting yesterday.

Among the segments was a musical talk show that went on air at 10.30 am today, as well as a special forum, ‘Forum Perdana Ehwal Islam’ which is slated for broadcast at 9 pm tonight.

Several programmes were held yesterday such as the reciting of the Quran, a special screening of a video titled ‘Muhammad’ and a preaching segment by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

In JOHOR, the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration was held at the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor Bahru, attended by about 500 people including Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani and state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee Chairman Tosrin Jarvanthi.

The celebration, which began at 7.30 am, was filled with the offering of supplications and prayers, Quran recitation, ‘berzanji’ (chants praising the Prophet) and a lecture by the Principal Assistant Director of Mosque and Surau Management Division, Johor Islamic Religious Department Mohd Taufik Shamsudin.

In his speech, Tosrin said even though the Maulidur Rasul celebration had to be celebrated in the new norms, it did not stop the state Islamic religious administration from its efforts to spread the teachings of Islam as well celebrating the birth of the Prophet.

In MELAKA, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali attended the Ziarah Prihatin launching ceremony in conjunction with the celebration at the Islamic Centre, Melaka Islamic Religious Council in Bukit Palah.

Sulaiman also flagged off the Ziarah Prihatin convoy to deliver donations to 213 asnaf (eligible for tithe) across the in the state.

Sulaiman said although there was no parade this year, the programme had also enabled the Muslims to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad on his birthday.

Meanwhile, leaders across the country join in the celebration by conveying their messages in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration.

Sabah Menteri Besar Datuk Hajiji Noor called on the Sabah people to appreciate and follow the teachings of the Prophet in facing the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the state.

Hajiji said even though it could not be celebrated in the same fashion as in preceding years, the spirit and goals can still be adapted in life by inviting fellow citizens to appreciate and emulate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said in a statement that the current COVID-19 situation faced by the country demanded the society to show concern for fellow citizens. 

He said such a test should strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and love among the community.

“Hopefully, by appreciating the spirit of Maulidur Rasul 1442H, we all continue to nurture a sense of love and affection for Prophet Muhammad SAW,” he said.

-- BERNAMA