Sultan Nazrin urges Muslim unity, integrity in leadership amid modern challenges

New Straits Times

01-07-2025

PUTRAJAYA: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has called on Muslim leaders to revive the spirit of unity, humility and justice that once defined the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Delivering his royal address at the 73rd Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), Sultan Nazrin said it was timely to reflect on the historical significance of the hijrah and the lessons it offers in fulfilling communal obligations.
"The migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah was a pivotal event in Islamic history, and it marked the founding of the first Islamic state.
"The Islamic state was built upon the support of a multiracial, multi-tribal and multi-faith society.
"Although Muslims were a minority, they were entrusted with governance, gained through the Prophet's wisdom in fostering unity across communal divides.
"The Prophet succeeded in cultivating a harmonious society by promoting tolerance and mutual respect, establishing productive working relationships, and formulating strategic approaches to defence and coexistence," he said.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
At the same time, Sultan Nazrin said the Prophet introduced a governance model that placed the rule of law above the rule of man, leading to the Madinah Constitution, the world's first written constitution based on one government and one legal system.
He said the Prophet led with humility, always mindful of his role as Allah's servant and messenger.
Sultan Nazrin also drew parallels between the Madinah Constitution and the formation of Malaysia's Federal Constitution (FC), saying both were products of visionary and sincere leadership.
He highlighted both as models of pluralistic governance built on consensus, justice and the rule of law.
"In just two months, our nation will celebrate its 68th year of independence.
"The circumstances surrounding the drafting of the Madinah Constitution offer valuable parallels with the formation of the FC.
"Malay-Muslim leadership demonstrated fairness by ensuring that non-Malays and non-Muslims were granted religious, cultural and linguistic rights under a unifying concept of 'one nation – one government', with the expectation that all citizens uphold loyalty to the land they call home," he said, adding that the FC is widely recognised as one of the most detailed written constitutions in the world.
Sultan Nazrin said the strength of Malay-Muslim leadership before and after independence was rooted in public trust, built on integrity, selflessness, and a deep commitment to national welfare.
These leaders, he said, felt the heartbeat of the people, wept for the poor, stood by their word, governed with integrity, rejected the abuse of power, and remained free from corruption.
He said the Malay-Muslim community's unity stemmed from their commitment to dignity, religious sanctity, diversity, respectful dialogue, and rejection of extremism and sensationalism.
He also reminded the ummah to appreciate and protect what they have, cautioning against overestimating their strength or falling into delusions of grandeur.
"As we step into the new Hijrah year and prepare to mark the 68th anniversary of our independence, it is a timely moment for the community (ummah) to reflect that it is better to hold on to what we already have than to risk losing it in pursuit of something seemingly better.
"Today's Muslims and Malays must not overestimate their strength, nor fall into delusions of grandeur.
"Past generations led with strength because they recognised their weaknesses and chose to unite their assets, talents and values.
"They drew people near, welcomed those afar, and embraced the wise, the wealthy and the humble alike," he said.
Sultan Nazrin also warned that current disunity among Malays and Muslims — marked by mockery, accusations and internal sabotage — threatens to undo what previous generations worked hard to build.
"If this pattern persists, Muslims and Malays will not need external enemies to destroy what they themselves have neglected to protect," he cautioned.