Najib calls on Muslims to uphold Islam

Giving a helping hand: Najib presenting zakat to recipients from the Pekan parliamentary constituency to ease their burden for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations. — Bernama

PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Muslims to uphold Islam in the country and reject anyone who is anti-Islam.

He said even though there were differences of opinion among Muslims, they must not become enemies with each other until it brings about terrible consequences.

“There must be no compromise in this and we must uphold Islam on this blessed soil.

“We must reject those who are anti-Islam and who do not like Islam. We know who they are.

“Those who are in cahoots with them must be rejected as well. It is our principle as Muslims that we must uphold Islam,” Najib said at a breaking of fast event at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque here yesterday.

He said the struggle must be for an authentic Islam, which was not extreme and not too liberal.

“The Islam we practise must be moderate. We must respect other people and their religions too.

“When we say there is nothing higher than Islam, then it means we must behave in a commendable manner at all times. Then non-Muslims will also respect us,” said Najib.

In an earlier function, he said making zakat contribution was a noble act that not only helped the poor but reminded one of the basis of humanity as well.

He said paying zakat could purify one’s wealth besides doing good for the community.

“Paying zakat can also strengthen relations among the community. It adheres to the principle of social justice so that the wealth gap will not become too wide.

“It serves to remind us not to get too carried away in chasing material wealth until we forget the basis of humanity,” he said at a zakat handout ceremony here yesterday.

During the event, Najib, who is the Pekan MP, handed out RM1.72mil in zakat to 6,264 of his constituents.

He had earlier accepted the tithe offering from representatives of several organisations at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Convention Hall here.

The amount was contributed by Bank Rakyat, Naza Corporation Hol­dings, UDA Holdings, Affin Islamic Bank, Roadcare Malaysia, Tabung Haji, SME Bank and the Poverty Eradication Foundation among others as well as individuals.