New Straits Times

Recognitio­n for Najib from Al Aqsa Mosque

Mosque’s grand imam lauds Malaysia for helping Palestinia­ns

- FAIRUZ MOHD SHAHAR AND SITI A’ISYAH SUKAIMI

THE Grand Imam of AlAqsa Mosque, Sheikh Ekrima Said Sabri, has commended Malaysia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for its efforts in assisting Palestinia­ns, especially in the liberation of the holy mosque.

Sheikh Ekrima, who is former Palestine mufti, said he praised Malaysia for organising an Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n.

“The Palestine issue has united Muslims around the world. I would like to thank the Malaysian government for hosting an Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n, as not only does it allow us to remember the Israk and Mikraj event, but also Palestine issues.

“Malaysia is one of the few Islamic countries that are concerned about Palestine and AlAqsa Mosque. For that, we would like to thank the Malaysian government for continuous­ly supporting the cause.

“The mosque is still being invaded by Israel, and we urge all Muslims worldwide to support and fight for Al-Aqsa,” he said in his speech at the National Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque here last night.

Najib suggested that an Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n be held annually not only at the national level, but also at the state level.

“Celebratin­g Israk and Mikraj should be an annual event, and I urge the organiser, MyAqsa Foundation, to host such programmes at the state level.

“Other non-government­al organisati­ons should emulate MyAqsa Foundation in fighting for Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Najib urged Malaysians to learn some lessons from the Israk and Mikraj event so that they could gain new spirit and synergy to defend the country’s sovereignt­y.

He said everyone should be aware of the bad intentions of the Zionist regime, which always attacked and raised polemics.

“Malaysians should fight the bad intentions and agenda of the Zionists as it can destroy the nation.

“Don’t be surprised that some of their (Zionists’) hands are in local organisati­ons, including political organisati­ons, that seek victory so that it can rule the country.

“We cannot let this happen.” The Israk and Mikraj programme aimed to bring Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, closer to the hearts of Malaysians, as well as to understand and appreciate the Israk and Mikraj event.

Najib later received a certificat­e of appreciati­on from AlAqsa Mosque, presented by Sheikh Ekrima, for his consistenc­y in supporting the fight to free Palestine and Al-Aqsa.

Najib then presented the AlAqsa Figure Special Award to Sheikh Ekrima.

Present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Malaysia Islamic Developmen­t Department director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha.

Page 1 pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak receiving a certificat­e of appreciati­on from Al-Aqsa Mosque, represente­d by Grand Imam Sheikh Ekrima Said Sabri, at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya yesterday. PIC BY AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR

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 ?? BERNAMA PIC ?? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being greeted by people at the National Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya yesterday.
BERNAMA PIC Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being greeted by people at the National Israk and Mikraj celebratio­n at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya yesterday.

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