Lively Maulidur Rasul celebrations nationwide with parades, 'selawat'

This year’s Maulidur Rasul, in celebration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s birthday, is being commemorated nationwide in a vibrant atmosphere filled with parades and “selawat” (praises to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)) to express love for the prophet.

The national-level event took place at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) in Putrajaya, starting with a parade involving 131 contingents, as early as 7.30 am on Thursday (Sept 28).

The gathering, themed “Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani” (Unity the Pillar of Malaysia Madani), was honored by the presence of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah, also attended the event.

A total of 3,700 participants from 131 contingents, representing ministries, statutory bodies, and private companies, marched in a 1.1km procession from the Seri Gemilang Bridge to the PICC, led by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mohktar.

Each ministry donned matching Baju Melayu and carried a placard with this year’s theme while reciting “selawat” and accompanied by the rhythm of the kompang.

Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, director-general of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), emphasized the significance of this year’s theme for Muslims and non-Muslims in the country, stating that unity is essential for a civilized society, both materially and spiritually.

The national-level Maulidur Rasul procession was previously held in 2019 at Arena Axiata in Bukit Jalil.

Meanwhile, at the state level, the celebrations were also lively, with thousands of people from various backgrounds participating in processions since early morning.

In JOHOR, Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, led the state-level procession in Muar, accompanied by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and state Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.

The procession in Johor included nearly 10,000 Muslims, with 60 contingents from government departments, agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the local community. It started at approximately 8 am from the Muar District Office and concluded at the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque.

Similarly, more than 6,000 Muslims in MELAKA, along with 10 rickshaws that serve as tourism symbols for the state, participated in a 4km procession from Tun Fatimah Stadium, Bukit Serindit, to Dataran Pusat Islam Melaka, Bukit Palah.

Starting at 7 am, individuals from all walks of life, including children, seniors, representatives from state and federal government agencies, and NGOs, marched together while reciting selawat.

In NEGRI SEMBILAN, Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, and their son, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, joined the procession at the Seremban City Council square.

The state government, led by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, and 76 contingents comprising government and private agencies, higher education institutions, schools, and people with disabilities, also took part in the parade.

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