The multifaceted aspects of our society have made our social fabric a unique one, one that depicts a diverse yet united society.
We have lived with diversity since the Malacca sultanate, when it was a busy port filled with international merchants and traders.
There, our history began and developed into one of the most diverse societies. Finally, it was embodied in the formation of an independent Malaya which the world knows today as the Federation of Malaysia.
Today, our society is one where diverse faiths are the basic character of Malaysia. Islam, as the religion of the state, allows others to practise their faith in harmony and with respect.
Today, Malaysians of the Christian faith celebrate Christmas in a joyful and merry mood. While every faith has its unique celebration and manner in which believers symbolise their gratitude on such a day, I, as fellow Malaysian and a Muslim, urge all Christians to continue the journey of peaceful relationship between faith and cherish our diversity as a sign of The Creator the Almighty.
As a Muslim, I was taught by my Prophets, including Isa Ibnu Maryam (peace be upon all of them) to cherish diversity and live with respect for others.
I was told by my Book (Quran) that it is vital I live strongly with my faith but, at the same time, accept diversity and live with respect.
It is in this context that my conviction of a peaceful interfaith relationship has turned into a sacred struggle where the soldiers of peace and bridge-builders come together, not to draw their sword against "others", but to convey the message of peace or salam with full compassion and love with dignity and pride.
I stand today as a fellow Malaysian in your Christmas celebration to call you to fight with me against injustice, racism and religious extremism and to say with a clear voice, we love this nation and we will not surrender to those who want to destroy it in the name of extremism and tyranny.
Let 's celebrate with those who have the right to celebrate Christmas today, for it is my duty as a Muslim and as a Malaysian to protect that right.
May your celebration of Christmas bring joy and happiness to all Malaysians and forget not the poor and the needy because it is for them we should bring joy and happiness.
"You will find that the nearest in love to Muslim believers are those who say: We are Christians – because among them are priests as well monks for these never puff themselves up. And when they listen to the message of the Quran handed down to the messenger Muhammad, you see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they perceive at once its truth, and they pray, : O Lord, we believe – write us down among the witnesses" ( Al Maidah 5: 82-83). – December 25, 2013.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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