Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor urged Muslims in the State to embrace the spirit of Hijrah by engaging in self-reflection, addressing weaknesses, enhancing knowledge, strengthening moral values and fostering closer ties with one another.
He hoped the gathering would serve as a synergy to strengthen bonds of brotherhood while inspiring renewed determination and commitment to further reinforce the unity and solidarity of the ummah.
“The Ma’al Hijrah celebration that we observe every year is not merely to commemorate the migration of Prophet Muhammad SAW from Makkah to Madinah, but also serves as a symbol of transformation, sacrifice and renewal towards a better way of life.
“As Muslims, we should draw lessons from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad SAW, particularly his success in spreading the message of Islam while at the same time establishing the first Islamic government in the city of Madinah.
“He placed great emphasis on leadership that balanced material progress with human development,” he said at the Sabah State-Level Ma’al Hijrah Celebration 2026M/1448H, Wednesday.
The event was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman. On this year’s Ma’al Hijrah theme, “Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati”, Hajiji said it reflected the Government’s efforts to encourage the people to live in unity and mutual respect.
“The concept of a Madani community stems from efforts to emulate the success of Prophet Muhammad SAW in uniting the Ansar and Muhajirin, living in harmony and achieving excellence through Islamic brotherhood.
“By making Islamic values a source of moral and ethical inspiration in nation-building, I am confident that we can become an example of a Madani society founded on civilisation, knowledge, integrity and magnanimity,” he said.
He also hoped the new Islamic year 1448H would bring hope and blessings to Muslims despite the many challenges and uncertainties facing the world today.
“The crisis in the Middle East, for example, involving major world powers, is deeply concerning. More distressingly, the conflict involves our fellow Muslims.
“As Malaysians, we hope that the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which is expected to be signed this Friday, will help end the unrest and conflict in the region for the sake of lasting peace and security,” he said.
Also present were wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Datuk Juliah Salag, Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister II/ Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif who is also chairman of the main organising committee for the State-Level Ma’al Hijrah Celebration.
The 1448H/2026M Maal Hijrah Outstanding Personality Award went to Datuk Masnah Matsalleh in the women's category. The male award went to Datuk Ag Sharin Alimin.
