MIRI (June 17): The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the End-of-Year 1447 Hijrah and Beginning-of-Year 1448 Hijrah Prayer Ceremony at Masjid At-Taqwa here on Tuesday evening.
Upon their arrival at 6.20pm, Tun Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan were welcomed by several state dignitaries, including Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) chairman Datuk Misnu Taha; as well as community leaders and senior state government officials.
Wan Junaidi was also accompanied by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Regional Development Agency Coordination, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, together with his wife and family members.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the End-of-Year 1447H prayer, followed by congregational Maghrib prayers.
Those present then joined in reciting the Beginning-of-Year 1448H prayer led by Sarawak Deputy Grand Imam Ustaz Mohamad Ihsan Haidzir.
The programme continued with the recitation of Surah Yaasin and a special Maal Hijrah religious talk delivered by Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim.
In his tazkirah, he stressed that the concept of hijrah (migration) should not be understood merely as a physical change, but also as a transformation of mindset, the enhancement of knowledge, the strengthening of the unity of the ummah, and efforts to improve the quality of life for society.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, ministers and deputy ministers, heads of departments, and representatives of state and federal government agencies.
After performing the congregational Isyak prayers, Wan Junaidi and his wife attended a dinner reception with guests, including Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Miri Resident Galong Luang; and local community leaders.
During the event, they expressed their hope that the beginning of the Hijrah year would serve as a platform for self-reflection and encouragement for Muslims to strengthen their faith, increase their acts of worship, and embrace the values of hijrah in building a knowledgeable, principled and resilient society.
