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Strengthen Mosque Functions as Hub for Community Unity, Lawmaker Urges
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Elections & Politics

Strengthen Mosque Functions as Hub for Community Unity, Lawmaker Urges

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Malaysian lawmaker urged mosques to strengthen their role beyond worship, becoming centers for community unity, knowledge dissemination, and youth development.
  • He cited the historical example of Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina as a model for social cohesion and development.
  • The call emphasizes mutual respect, cooperation, and care for the less fortunate as key values to be practiced daily.

Mosques in Malaysia should evolve beyond their primary function of worship to become vital hubs for community unity, knowledge sharing, and youth development, according to Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He emphasized that the mosque's role as a community development center is deeply rooted in Islamic history, referencing the Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina after the Hijrah.

Johari explained that the mosque in Medina was not solely a place for prayer but also served as a crucial institution for unifying the community and fostering brotherhood between the Muhajirin (emigrants) and Ansar (helpers). He stressed that differences in background should not be barriers to community building but rather opportunities for finding common ground, mutual respect, and cooperation for the collective good.

Differences should not be a reason for division, but rather a strength when we can live together with mutual respect.

โ€” Datuk Seri Johari Abdul GhaniSpeaking at the Maulidur Rasul program about overcoming differences within the community.

"Differences should not be a reason for division, but rather a strength when we can live together with mutual respect," Johari stated during the Maulidur Rasul celebration at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru. He urged the translation of this spirit of 'ummah' (community) unity into daily life through active concern for neighbors and those facing hardship.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of supporting needy families and guiding the younger generation to grow in positive environments. Johari expressed his hope that Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru would continue to be a focal point for strengthening unity, spreading knowledge, shaping character, and mentoring youth. He concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to revitalize mosque institutions, rather than confining such activities to specific events.

The values shown by the Prophet Muhammad should be applied in life by helping those in need, caring for the welfare of families, and guiding the younger generation.

โ€” Datuk Seri Johari Abdul GhaniAdvocating for the emulation of the Prophet's example in daily life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.