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MALAYSIA’S rulers and state leaders have used Aidilfitri to call for stronger unity, compassion and renewal of faith, as tens of thousands of worshippers gathered across the country for special prayers marking the end of Ramadan.
In Terengganu, His Majesty Sultan Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin urged that Aidilfitri be used as a bridge to strengthen harmony among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society, emphasising that the celebration goes beyond festivity and serves as a platform for moral values and human fraternity.
“How beautiful is the atmosphere of Aidilfitri celebrations attended by friends, relatives and families of different races and religions.
“That practice takes inspiration from the wise words of the wife of the Prophet, Saidatina Aisyah R.A, which mean: visit one another from time to time, and love among us will increase,” he said.
He also reminded those who are able to assist the less fortunate, encouraging acts of generosity during the festive season.
“We urge the people to take the opportunity to multiply their rewards and to allow the poor to experience the joy of Hari Raya.
“As we celebrate and enjoy the festivities, let us not forget those who are less fortunate... take the opportunity to show care and assist within our means so that they too can feel the joy of Aidilfitri,” he said.
Earlier, Sultan Mizan performed Aidilfitri prayers alongside around 2,500 congregants at Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah in Ladang, joined by Sultanah Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah and Tengku Muhammad Ismail Zainal Abidin.
In Selangor, His Majesty Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah attended prayers with more than 24,000 worshippers at Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah.
The sermon delivered by Selangor Mufti Anhar Opir, titled “Syawal Permulaan Baharu”, called on Muslims to embrace Syawal as a fresh beginning rooted in obedience to Allah.
“Muslims must glorify and exalt Allah SWT with full faith. Muslims must emulate the faith of Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions with patience, reliance on Allah and courage in defending Allah SWT,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Sabah, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and Chief Minister Hajiji Noor joined more than 7,000 congregants at Masjid Negeri Sabah for morning prayers, followed by a sermon themed on lessons from Ramadan.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to political stability following the 17th Sabah state election, with Hajiji stressing that unity remains central to Sabah’s development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya framework.
“Indeed, Aidilfitri is a symbol of victory over the nafs, a triumph that nurtures the soul through patience and sincerity, and the best platform to strengthen ties among family members, neighbours and the wider community.
“In this blessed land of Sabah, Aidilfitri is celebrated in an atmosphere of goodwill among people of various races and religions. This is our true strength, unity in diversity.
“The values of mutual respect, tolerance and togetherness that have been inherited over generations must continue to be preserved as the foundation of stability and progress in the state,” he said.
In Sarawak, more than 5,000 worshippers gathered at Masjid Jamek Petra Jaya alongside Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The prayers were led by Imam Besar Negeri Sarawak Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi, followed by a sermon from the state mufti.
Across the country, leaders at both federal and state levels echoed similar themes of unity, compassion and gratitude, urging Malaysians to use Aidilfitri as an opportunity to strengthen relationships within families and communities, while continuing to uphold values of tolerance and mutual respect in a diverse society. - March 21, 2026
