M'sian Pm Najib Calls On Muslims To Defend Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak has called on Muslims to defend unity, saying it is a pillar to the strength of Islam. He said that by remaining united, Muslims either in the country or abroad can achieve a lot of things. "Although from different races, speak different languages, of different skin colours and cultures and live in different countries, Muslims are one wherever they are," he said in his Aidiladha message at his www.1Malaysia.com.my blog in conjunction with Aidiladha Sunday. He said the haj pilgrimage, with Muslims congregating in one place to perform their religious obligation, symbolises the need for Muslims to unite. The prime minister said the concept of unity and equality is important in Islam as was stressed in Prophet Muhammad's khutbah wada’ (the last sermon) in Arafah some 1,400 years ago. The prime minister also said that the society should be grateful for the prosperity and harmony enjoyed by the country, allowing people to go about their daily lives in peace. Najib also reminded the people to be prudent in their spending, and to help the needy. He also wished Muslims a happy Aidiladha and for the auspicious day to be celebrated in the spirit of 1Malaysia. The prime minister and wife Rosmah Mansor are currently in Mecca to perform the haj. "Here in the Holy Land, I pray for the well-being of all Malaysians and for us to be blessed with prosperity so that we, our family and our country will continue to progress and remain prosperous," he said. -- BERNAMA