Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (centre) at the national Maulidur Rasul celebration at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Putrajaya yesterday. Tuanku Mizan was joined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. - NST picture by David Khoo
Several states held processions while state rulers took the opportunity to address their subjects and remind them of their duties as Muslims.
In Ipoh, Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak believes the restive situation in some Muslim countries today was because of delusion and distrust of the youth with the leadership of their countries.
"Their feelings were clearly reflected from the on-going events in certain countries. These events are evidence that the young Muslim population wants the leaders of their countries to be non-corrupt, honest and responsible.
"These events, therefore, must serve as a lesson to the leaders of Muslim nations to earn the respect of their people and carry out their responsibilities with the interests of the people foremost in their minds."
The ruler was speaking at the launch of the state-level celebration and official opening of Masjid Jamek at Medan Restu Klebang in Chemor, near Ipoh.
He said Muslim youths were growing unhappy with the way the affairs of nations were being managed, which they believe had deviated too far from Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
"They yearn for leadership which is more responsible for the ummah (society) and watan (country).
"They want leadership that does not misuse or abuse power and is scrupulous in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted upon them by the people."
These youths, he added, were openly and daringly expressing their hearts' desires through various mediums such as local and international media, modern communication tools, group movements and at times through aggressive actions.
"They are more independent in their thinking and beliefs, deeply ideal and have high hopes for a better future. They have the courage to take huge risks and face great challenges. And, they have the energy as well as unity of force to effect changes for betterment of the country."
Sultan Azlan pointed out that Muslim youths constitute about 26 per cent of total world youth population and this was expected to rise to 29 per cent by 2030.
In Kuantan, Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, his son, Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah, and his wife, Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and state executive councillors joined some 2,000 Muslims at the state-level celebration at the Sultan Ahmad Shah silver jubilee hall in Jalan Teluk Sisek.
They had earlier joined Muslims from 40 government agencies and departments, secondary schools and non-governmental organisations in a 1km-long Maulidur Rasul procession, which began about 8.30am.
In his speech, Sultan Ahmad Shah said the "1Malaysia, 1Ummah" theme for this year was appropriate as Malaysians could look forward to helping each other without minding the colour of their skin, religion, background and race.
In Johor Baru, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor joined about 5,000 people at the state-level celebration at Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque here.
He was joined by the royal family: his consort, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail, and Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar.
Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, his wife, Datin Paduka Prof Dr Jamilah Ariffin, state executive council members and heads of departments were also present.
The royal family later joined the people for a banquet at the compound of the mosque.
In Alor Star, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah has called on the Muslim community to preserve the brotherhood in Islam.
The sultan was confident that holding strong to the brotherhood would strengthen unity and foster respect among Muslims in the country.
"On this special occasion, Muslims from all walks of life have gathered to celebrate Maulidur Rasul. This proves that Muslims are united and hold strongly to the concept of brotherhood in Islam," he said in his speech during the state level celebration at Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Insaniah) in Alor Star.
Present were the Sultan's consort, Sultanah Haminah Hamidun and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak.
The sultan also reminded his subjects to equip themselves with faith to avoid succumbing to temptation that would ruin them.
In Kuala Terengganu, more than 3,900 people took part in the procession which started at 7.30am at Dataran Shahbandar and ended at the Terengganu State stadium.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said led the procession which consisted of 100 contingents from government agencies, universities, non-government organisations and members of the public.
Terengganu Regency Representative Council member Tengku Sri Laksamana Raja Tengku Sulaiman Sultan Ismail launched the celebration at the state stadium.
In his speech, Tengku Sulaiman urged Muslims to adhere to the tenets of Islam and emulate Prophet Muhammad in their daily lives.
In George Town, 2,300 people from 46 contingents took part in a 3.1km procession, which ran through the Esplanade, Lebuh Farquhar, Upper Penang Road, Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
The contingents comprised governmental and non-governmental bodies, private bodies, statutory bodies, universities and colleges, decked in colourful outfits.
The six contingents that emerged tops were the Fire and Rescue Department, state police, the state Land and Mines Office, Penang Island Municipal Council , Universiti Teknologi Mara and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
Also present were Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his wife, Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, along with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman, state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim and state Islamic Religious Affairs Council president Elias Zakaria.
