SERDANG, Aug 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the commemoration of Maulidur Rasul should not be limited to celebrations or processions, but should instead be reflected through practising Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) way of life as a source of mercy and guidance for all humanity.

He said the Maulidur Rasul celebration should serve as a platform to inspire Muslims with renewed spirit, awareness and enlightenment.

“In the context of understanding Islam, the challenge lies in its practice and how we perceive it. Like the month of independence, it is not about the celebration, festivities or procession, but what matters most is upholding the commands of Allah SWT,” he said.

“For me, this celebration is meant to inspire a renewed spirit, not to perpetuate old complacency. The torch of Islam remains dynamic and alive. Every episode in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offers a lesson for us,” he said in his speech at the national-level Maulidur Rasul 1448/2026 celebration here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.

Anwar said the challenge for Muslims today is to internalise Islamic values and become a role model not only for fellow Muslims, but also for all Malaysians and the global community.

He said the concept of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to all creation) must be translated into building a society rooted in values, principles and ideals, while driven by the pursuit of excellence.

Anwar said a society built on the principles taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) must uphold clear values, including embracing goodness, respecting others and upholding justice, while rejecting wrongdoing, social ills, arrogance, narrow-minded racism, oppression, corruption and abuse of power.

“How can we build the Malay and Muslim communities in Malaysia based on the principles taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) into a distinguished, unique and exceptional society that moves towards excellence?

“This is the test and challenge as we commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The occasion should not be limited to celebrations, processions or ceremonies, but must inspire deeper reflection and understanding. This is what I mean by an ecumenical community par excellence,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the current approach to dakwah (Islamic outreach) required attention, particularly in ensuring that the delivery of religious messages encouraged understanding and acceptance.

“When we look at our Islamic outreach efforts today, some people are becoming less receptive to Islam. This is unlike the example demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom we recognise as the finest example.

“This is a reminder to all of us. How can we improve?” he said. — Bernama