In Putrajaya, the “Solat Subuh Macam Jumaat” campaign at Masjid Putra had a special guest on Sunday. Former All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams joined the event, bringing excitement to the atmosphere. The programme began at 5am and drew in around 5,000 worshippers who participated in the dawn prayers led by the imam of Masjid Putra, Abdul Karim Zakaria.
Following the prayers, there was a knowledge-sharing session with Williams, who is currently in Malaysia for religious gatherings and sports activities, including a Rugby Clinic at the National Sports Council Mini Stadium. The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and his deputy Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
The morning continued with a brisk walk from Masjid Putra to the Palace of Justice, covering a distance of 2.7km. Williams, 39, expressed his admiration for the “Subuh Macam Jumaat” campaign, which encourages Muslims to pray at mosques in the early hours of the morning. He commended the Malaysian community for their commitment to attending the Subuh prayers.
Sharing his experiences, Williams recounted his encounter with three Malaysians in Makkah, noting their humility and manners. As a two-time World Cup winner with New Zealand, he emphasized the importance of intentions when going to the mosque and performing prayers.
Minister Mohd Na’im suggested that mosque and surau committees, particularly those under Jakim and Jawi, should diversify their activities to attract more Muslims. While influencers can play a role in drawing people to mosques, the focus should always be on the primary purpose of attending, which is to pray. He highlighted the need for a variety of programs to engage the Muslim community beyond just celebrity appearances.
Hamza (Williams) also echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of correct intentions and sincerity in worship. The event at Masjid Putra served as a platform for both spiritual and physical activities, promoting unity and a sense of community among attendees.
With Williams’ presence adding a unique touch to the campaign, the event served as a reminder of the importance of faith and the role of mosques in fostering a strong connection to one’s religion. The morning concluded on a positive note, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.
