By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, July 29 — His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor has called upon on Muslims to renew their resolutions in becoming more creative and innovative in the face of an increasingly challenging world.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj said Muslims must also prepare to face the state of the nation as it deals with various tribulations including the outbreak of diseases and natural disasters.
“This is to ensure society can continue to live normally, and their welfare remains safeguarded,” said His Royal Highness in his address for the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1444 Hijrah, which was posted on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the new year presents the ideal opportunity to cultivate the spirit of change, as well as improve oneself or the betterment of the situation, be it individually, as a family, a department, a community, or the country.
“Allah SWT commands us to try to change our own destinies, as stated in Surah al-Ra’d, verse 11: ‘Indeed Allah does not change what is in a people until they change what is in themselves‘,” said His Royal Highness.
In the context of Muslims in the contemporary period, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope this hijrah will be a changing point to leave all bad qualities (mazmumah) and negativity behind and turn them into commendable and positive qualities.
“Do so by abandoning vile and immoral actions, and instead head for good and pious actions and practices,” said His Royal Highness.
To this, Sultan Sharafuddin and Her Highnesss the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin wished all Muslims throughout the country a blessed Awal Muharram (Ma’al Hijrah) for the year 1444 Hijrah.
