PUTRAJAYA: Every leader should learn from the events of Maal Hijrah, which was a demonstration of the importance of strategic planning, says the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Nazrin Shah.
“Struggle becomes meaningless without sacrifice. Sacrifice is not merely accepting the loss of something we cherish, but the willingness to place a greater interest above personal interest. Sacrifice demands courage, perseverance and sincerity,” said His Royal Highness.
It will be unfortunate for a country when its leaders choose to act impulsively, react emotionally, and proceed recklessly based on personal feelings, says the Ruler.
Sultan Nazrin said leaders who make hasty decisions without careful thought and prioritise short-term interests will ultimately cause harm, the consequences of which must later be borne at great cost by innocent citizens.
“The calmness, openness, and cautiousness of leaders in making decisions based on well-informed judgments are crucial,” Sultan Nazrin stated during the National Level Maal Hijrah 1448 Celebration held at the Putra Mosque here yesterday.
Sultan Nazrin expressed concern over the diminishing spirit of sacrifice within the ummah, noting that this vital quality is becoming increasingly rare and, at times, merely rhetorical.
“The Muslim community must be made to understand the value of sacrifice, be instilled with the spirit of willingness to sacrifice, and make sacrifice a way of life, for the continuity of the nation in facing the increasingly challenging storms and waves of the world.”
His Royal Highness also reminded Muslims that the celebration of Maal Hijrah is not merely to commemorate a new date in the calendar, nor is it simply nostalgia for an event that occurred more than fourteen centuries ago.
“Rather, the celebration of Maal Hijrah should serve as a moment for self-reflection, reviewing past mistakes with the intention of awakening awareness and reminding humanity of its heedlessness at a time when people risk becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the tides of worldly life.”
The Ruler pointed to the example of Prophet Muhammad appointing Abdullah bin Uraiqit, who was not a Muslim at the time, as a guide due to his trustworthiness, knowledge of desert routes, and reliability.
“This story serves as an example that Islam recognises a person’s expertise, integrity, and trustworthiness without prejudice towards their religious background, provided they do not harm Muslims.”
Sultan Nazrin further emphasised that a great nation is not one that merely takes pride in past achievements, but one that draws lessons from them to build a brighter and more glorious future.
Sultan Nazrin said sacrifice has been the fundamental factor behind every great success, the readiness to leave behind comfort, endure hardship, and face difficulties in pursuit of a nobler objective.
Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar was named the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah at the same event that also saw renowned Islamic scholar from Morocco, Dr Ahmad Al-Raysuni, honoured as the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah.
The recipients were presented with cash prizes, trophies and certificates of appreciation by Sultan Nazrin.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Themed “Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati”, this year’s national-level Maal Hijrah celebration drew about 5,000 attendees.
