GEORGE TOWN: Roses, chocolates and a message of understanding were shared with non-Muslims in the spirit of Maulidur Rasul.
Volunteers from the Islamic Propagation Society International (Ipsi) distributed 1,200 sets of roses, chocolates and pamphlets at several locations yesterday.
Ipsi founder and president Datuk Kamarudin Abdullah said the annual “Share the Love and Mercy of Prophet Muhammad” programme seeks to introduce the Prophet’s teachings through a friendly and informal approach.
“This is the 18th year of ‘Share the Love of Prophet Muhammad’.
“We reach out to people and they appreciate the work that we do.
“We try to build a bridge of understanding,” he said yesterday.
Kamarudin said the idea was inspired by his experience celebrating Maulidur Rasul in Istanbul while working with Malaysia Airlines.
He saw sweets being distributed at the Blue Mosque to mark the Prophet’s birthday and adapted the idea in Penang.
“When I returned to Penang, Allah gave me the idea to give roses because people like roses.
“Then came the idea of chocolates and finally pamphlets about Prophet Muhammad,” he said.
Kamarudin said some recipients thanked the volunteers for giving them an opportunity to learn more about Islam.
American tourist Emily Carter, 32, said the gesture gave visitors a more personal introduction to the occasion.
“It is easy to visit a mosque and only see the architecture without understanding its significance.
“The rose, chocolate and explanation had given us a more personal introduction to Prophet Muhammad and the meaning of Maulidur Rasul,” she said.
