Spirit of Hijrah spurs national transformation - Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said as the government of an Islamic country, the Malaysian government always instilled the soul and spirit of the Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622CE) of Prophet Muhammad to double the momentum of effecting transformation and reformation for the nation.

The prime minister said Malaysia which held high the constitution and Islam as the official religion of the federation, acted righteously by upholding Islam's position based on Maqasid al Syariah (the goals and objectives of Islamic law) and appropriate approach along the concept of Wasatiyyah (moderation).

"Our target of becoming a developed, progressive and high-income Islamic nation is based on the Quran and Sunnah, which require us to be a moderate, fair and excellent people.

"Therefore, all Malaysians regardless of their race, language and religion should live in harmony and preserve the calm and prosperity of this blessed land for us to enjoy together with full gratitude," said the prime minister in his Maal Hijrah message on his www.1Malaysia.com.my blog on Monday.

Najib said the Maal Hijrah celebration each year actually enjoined Muslims to change because by effecting change contemporarily, it could free individuals from the shackles of obsolescence.

He said in the wider meaning of Hijrah, the government upheld Islam and protected the "kalimah Allah" in the interest of the religion, people and this beloved nation.

Najib said in line with the spirit of Hijrah, the 2014 Budget that was tabled recently was drawn up in such a way to continue boosting economic resilience and transformation, and to fulfil the promises made to the people.

He said through the implementation of the Economic Transformation Programme that had been launched, the country continued to develop and it gained recognition from the World Bank when its Report on Ease of Doing Business 2014 ranked Malaysia sixth from 12th last year.

"The clear improvement proves the commitment and determination of the government to transforming the country and this too reflects the success of the transformation agenda carried out.

"This success also further strengthens Malaysia's position as a model Islamic country as it is the only Islamic nation in the top 10 of the ranking."

Quoting Allah's decree as contained in the Ar-Rad Chapter, verse 11, which means that Allah will not change the fate of a people until they themselves change their ways, Najib said imbibing the Hijrah spirit would also produce Muslims who could think creatively, be innovative and relevant with the times, and able to meet the challenges.

He called on all Muslims to together pray that their lives in this 1435 Hijrah would be better and be people of strong faith and godly, and for their sins be forgiven by The Almighty.

"My family and I pray that the 1435H Maal Hijrah celebration themed 'Moderation the Pillar for Unity of the Ummah' could foster understanding and unity among all Malaysians, hence this be a catalyst to national development, stability and prosperity," he said.