KOTA KINABALU: Muslims in Sabah have been urged to embrace the true spirit of Hijrah through sincere self-reflection, continuous self-improvement, the earnest pursuit of knowledge, the strengthening of moral values, and the cultivation of closer ties within the community.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the Ma’al Hijrah celebration should serve as a catalyst for deepening brotherhood among Muslims, inspiring renewed dedication to unity and solidarity within the ummah.
“The Ma’al Hijrah celebration that we observe every year is not merely a commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s SAW migration from Makkah to Madinah. It is, above all, a symbol of transformation, sacrifice and renewal — a call to strive towards a better, more purposeful life.
“As Muslims, we must draw meaningful lessons from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad SAW — particularly his remarkable success in spreading the message of Islam while establishing the first Islamic government in Madinah.
“He exemplified a form of leadership that harmoniously balanced material progress with human development,” said Hajiji at the Sabah State-Level Ma’al Hijrah Celebration 2026M/1448H here on Wednesday.
The celebration was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati’, Hajiji said the occasion embodied ongoing efforts to nurture unity, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among the people of Sabah.
“The concept of a Madani society draws its inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW success in uniting the Ansar and Muhajirin — communities who lived in harmony and attained excellence through the spirit of Islamic brotherhood.
“By upholding Islamic values as our moral and ethical compass in nation-building, I am confident that we can forge a model Madani society — one grounded in civilisation, knowledge, integrity and compassion,” he said.
Hajiji also expressed hope that the new Islamic year of 1448H would usher in renewed hope and abundant blessings for Muslims everywhere, even as the world continues to grapple with complex challenges and deepening uncertainties.
Turning to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, he described the situation as a source of profound concern, particularly given that those affected are fellow Muslims.
“As Malaysians, we hope that the peace agreement between the United States and Iran — expected to be signed this Friday — will serve as a meaningful step towards ending the conflict and unrest in the region, and ultimately pave the way for lasting peace and stability,” he said. Also present were Toh Puan Hajah Faridah Tussin, wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri; Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hajah Juliah Salag, wife of the Chief Minister; Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M. Yahya; Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun; and Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, who also served as Chairman of the main organising committee for the State-Level Ma’al Hijrah Celebration.
