Zahid, flanked by Abdul Karim (second right) and Abang Johari, presents the meat to a villager, as Rubiah (right) looks on.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Muslims should refer the Quran when it comes to maintaining good relationship with the non-Muslims.
In pointing this out, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded Muslims in the country to use their wisdom in dealing with any tension involving racial and religious issues.
“Such tense situation would not happen if Muslims would truly follow the teachings from the Quran.
“We should respect others just as how we want them to respect us,” he said during the distribution of meat at Masjid Al-Mutaqqin here yesterday, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Zahid – who is also Home Affairs Minister – added Muslims must fight for the rights of both Muslims and non-Muslims, given the current landscape in the country. He stressed that being a Muslim would not mean one should only defend fellow Muslims and turn their backs on those of different faiths.
Adding to this, he noted that the presence of the Internet and social media also meant that the perception and way of thinking among the people of today were also different from the previous generations.
“The way the current generation thinks is different. Therefore, the people should be smart enough to think about what they read online and not to be too carried away with emotions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zahid assured the local congregation that he would look into means of improving the condition of the mosque, which had been around for several years.
Earlier on, Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Samarahan had been experiencing positive transformation over the years, such as gradual improvements on roads and rising population.
“With over 30,000 students in a number of institutions of higher learning here, Samarahan is fast becoming another growing divsion in Sarawak.
Two head of cattle were slaughtered yesterday, and the meat was distributed to 135 people from around the area. The cows were among those donated by Sarawak State Mosques Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS) Samarahan to suraus and mosques across the division.
The ceremony was also witnessed by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang, Muara Tuang assemblyman Dato Sri Mohamad Ali Mahmud and Deputy State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha.