KOTA KINABALU: Aidilfitri is not just a religious celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster understanding among family members, neighbours, friends, and the wider community.
Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, has called on Sabahans to reinforce unity and solidarity through the tradition of visiting one another and seeking forgiveness during the festive season.
Stressing that strong unity is the foundation of a nation’s prosperity and success, Musa noted that by fostering close ties, people can face challenges together and create holistic opportunities to enhance collective well-being.
“Aidilfitri serves as a means to strengthen unity among Muslims and society as a whole. It is a time to celebrate victory in overcoming the trials and challenges of fasting through takbir, tahmid, and tahlil (expressions of praise and devotion).
“It is also a time to promote a culture of mutual respect and honesty, regardless of social background, ethnicity, or religion,” he said in his Aidilfitri message on Saturday (March 29).
Musa also encouraged Muslims to embrace the spirit of charity by sharing their blessings with those in need, including the underprivileged, single mothers, and orphans.
“The act of giving not only enhances the joy of Aidilfitri but is also a noble effort to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
“Charitable contributions made during this festive season help ease the burden of the less fortunate and reflect the generosity and compassion of donors,” he said.
On a lighter note, the Sabah Governor reminded the public to prioritise their health during the celebrations.
“Practise healthy eating habits - avoid overeating, regulate your diet, and engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise,” he advised.
He also stressed the importance of safety during the festivities and urged people to take precautions to prevent accidents or harm.
“Always be cautious on the roads, observe traffic rules when travelling home, ensure your vehicle is in good condition before setting off, and prioritise the safety of your loved ones.
“On this joyous occasion, I urge everyone to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our uniformed personnel, who work tirelessly to safeguard the safety and security of the people and the nation, regardless of circumstances.
“Let us honour their contributions by keeping them in our prayers, wishing them protection, guidance, and blessings from Allah SWT,” he added.
Musa and wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, extended their best wishes for a joyous and meaningful Aidilfitri, hoping the celebration would strengthen ties and further unite the people of Sabah.
