Hajiji accompanying Tun Musa presenting the 1448H/2026M Maal Hijrah Personality Award (Female Category) to Datuk Masnah Matsalleh during the Sabah State-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M today.
KOTA KINABALU: Muslims in the state have been urged to embrace the spirit of Hijrah by engaging in self-reflection, addressing personal shortcomings, enhancing their knowledge, strengthening their moral values and fostering closer ties with one another, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
In this regard, he expressed hope that the gathering would serve as a platform to strengthen ukhuwah (brotherhood) and inspire renewed determination and commitment towards reinforcing the unity and solidarity of the ummah.
“The annual Maal Hijrah celebration is not merely a commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah, but also a symbol of transformation, sacrifice and renewal towards a better way of life.
“As Muslims, we should draw lessons from the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly his success in spreading the teachings of Islam while at the same time establishing the first Islamic government in the city of Madinah.
“He emphasised leadership that balanced material progress with human development,” he said at the Sabah State-level Maal Hijrah Celebration 2026M/1448H here today.
The event was officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun (Dr) Musa Aman.
Hajiji accompanying Tun Musa presenting the 1448H/2026M Maal Hijrah Personality Award (Male Category) to Datuk Ag. Sharin Alimin during the Sabah State-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration 1448H/2026M today.
In line with this year’s Maal Hijrah theme, ‘Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati’(Embracing Madani Values, Blessed Ummah), Hajiji said it reflected the government’s efforts to encourage people to live in unity and mutual respect.
“The concept of a Madani ummah emerged from efforts to emulate the success of the Prophet Muhammad in uniting the Ansar and Muhajirin communities, living in harmony and achieving excellence through Islamic brotherhood.
“I believe that by making Islamic values a source of moral and ethical inspiration in nation-building, we can become an example of a Madani society born of a civilisation that is knowledgeable, principled and magnanimous,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the new Islamic year 1448H would bring hope and blessings to Muslims despite the many challenges and uncertainties facing the world today.
“The crisis in the Middle East, for instance, involving major world powers, is deeply concerning. More sadly, the conflicts taking place involve our fellow Muslims.
“As Malaysians, we hope that the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which is expected to be concluded this Friday, will bring an end to the unrest and conflict in the region and pave the way for lasting peace and security,” he said.
Also present were the wife of the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Hajah Faridah Tussin; the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hajah Juliah Salag; Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M. Yahya; Deputy Chief Minister and State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun; and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, who is also chairman of the organising committee for the Sabah State-Level Maal Hijrah Celebration.
