‘Maal Hijrah important day for Muslims’
MIRI: Awal Muharram or Maal Hijrah is an important day for Muslims because it commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from the city of Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.
Sarawak PAS commissioner Jofri Jaraiee, who is also Miri PAS chief, said the historic event took place on 1 Muharram of the Muslim calendar.
“The migration of Prophet Muhammad from the city of Mecca to Medina was not because he fled or was considered a ‘refugee' as stated by a leader who did not understand the real meaning of Hijrah,” Jofri said in welcoming the Muslim New Year that fell yesterday.
Relating the history of Maal Hijrah, he said Prophet Muhammad migrated from the city of Mecca to Medina on September 20 (Monday), 622 AD.
He said many Western orientalists consider this action to be an escape but this migration took place not because the Muslims were afraid of the threat of the Quraish of Mecca but because of the invitation of the people of Madinah themselves.
“The arrival of Prophet Muhammad was one that was eagerly awaited. Before this, they had heard the story of the Prophet of the End Times who would carry the torch of Islam and the light of Faith that would illuminate the land of Medina,” Jofri said.
“All preparations to welcome the Prophet Muhammad had been done with the liveliest celebration,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said the theme of the Maal Hijrah celebration in Malaysia this year is ‘ Ummah Rabbani, Negara Harmoni', which stresses on human capital development, knowledge cultivation and management strengthening.
“It will create a harmonious situation when these three components are installed and the lives of Malaysians are better and more peaceful than before,” Jofri elaborated.
He, however, lamented that the Maal Hijrah celebration this year is held amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“So we must comply with the standard operating procedure to keep us safe from infection,” he said.
“Hopefully, the advent of the Hijri New Year can bring better changes in our daily lives,” he added. On behalf of PAS Sarawak, he wished a Happy Maal Hijrah to all.
“May this year, all our wishes and prayers are accepted and we can live in harmony and be able to foster unity between races and religions even better,” he added.