Sultan Nazrin Warns Against Division, Calls for Strengthening Ummah’s Identity

IPOH, Aug 25 — The unity of Muslims is facing growing challenges driven by political differences, varying religious schools of thought, racial divides, and personal self-interest, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah cautioned today.

Sultan Nazrin stated that these factors, combined with the pursuit of influence, rank, position, wealth, and worldly comforts, are increasingly overshadowing the core spirit of Islamic brotherhood and sidelining ukhuwah among Muslims.

In his royal address at the Perak-level Maulidur Rasul celebration here, the Sultan urged Muslim leaders, Islamic organizations, and community movements to avoid unnecessary disputes, minimize political rivalry, and prioritize initiatives that build and strengthen the ummah.

“It is encouraging and something for which we should be grateful that while political leaders and groups choose to compete and engage in disputes, there are also individuals and organisations pioneering positive efforts to raise awareness in Islamic education,” Sultan Nazrin said.

“These include Islamic economics, Islamic finance, the halal industry, waqf, digital dakwah and strengthening family institutions. Such efforts must be expanded, reinforced and successfully implemented,” he added.

The royal event was also attended by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Perak Raja Muda Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, and Raja Di Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. Also in attendance were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin.

Addressing modern cultural shifts, Sultan Nazrin highlighted the growing pressures on Muslim identity and core values brought about by exposure to global influences, including social media, popular culture, entertainment, and modern lifestyles.

He emphasized that strategic and thoughtful approaches are needed to ensure that ongoing progress and modernization do not undermine Islamic principles.

“Efforts must be made to strike a balance so that modernisation does not lead to a loss of confidence in one’s own identity,” Sultan Nazrin emphasized.

–NMT