"May this year be the beginning of a life that is more blessed and meaningful." - June 27, 2025
A New Beginning: Muslims Welcomed Maal Hijrah 1447H with Reflection and Renewed Purpose
More than 8,000 guests, including dignitaries and the public, are expected at today’s Maal Hijrah celebration, with His Majesty the King to deliver a Royal Address and present prestigious awards.
THE national-level Maal Hijrah 1447H/2025M celebration will be held today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), with over 8,000 guests expected to attend, including local and international dignitaries.
Their Majesties, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, the King and Queen of Malaysia, are scheduled to arrive at 9.30 am to officiate the event.
Among those expected to be in attendance are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, both Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet ministers, foreign envoys, government officials, contingents, and members of the public.
A highlight of the celebration will be the Royal Address by His Majesty, during which he will also present the National and International Ma’al Hijrah Personality Awards.
The programme includes a special tausiyyah (religious lecture) on the theme of hijrah (migration), to be delivered by Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
According to Bernama, the event will be broadcast live on TV1 by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), as well as on other local television stations and streamed through the official social media platforms of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
This year’s theme, Membangun Ummah MADANI (Developing a MADANI Ummah), calls on Muslims to reflect upon the Prophet Muhammad’s migration and apply its lessons towards building a progressive, inclusive, and morally upright society.
In a prior statement, JAKIM said: “This year’s celebration highlights the spirit of hijrah, particularly the sacrifices and efforts of the Prophet in developing a virtuous society grounded in sustainability, well-being, creativity, dignity, confidence and compassion, all while embracing diversity in unity.”
The department added that the theme underscores “values of inclusivity and civilisation-building, not just in physical terms, but also in nurturing morally and spiritually excellent individuals.”
Muslims across the nation ushered in the Islamic New Year 1447H last evening with reflection and prayer, marked by doa akhir tahun and doa awal tahun held at mosques and surau nationwide.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Muslims across Malaysia and the world marked the arrival of the Islamic new year 1447H/2025M, the call to “Membangun Ummah Madani” (Developing a MADANI Ummah) echoed as the central message of reflection and renewal.
In a heartfelt message shared in conjunction with Maal Hijrah, the faithful were reminded that the ‘hijrah’ – the Prophet Muhammad’s migration – is not merely a physical relocation, but a symbol of transformation and progress.
“The new Hijrah year brings a call for us to ‘Build a MADANI Ummah’ — a community that is prosperous, inclusive, moral, and grounded in Islamic values.
The message continued: "Hijrah is not merely a relocation, but a process of renewal. Let us move forward with knowledge, integrity, and a spirit of togetherness."
The new year was described as an opportunity for spiritual and communal renewal: "May this year be the beginning of a life that is more blessed and meaningful."
To mark the occasion, worshippers were encouraged to reflect on a verse from the Qur’an that speaks directly to the spirit of hijrah and divine purpose: "Let us reflect deeply and strive our very best to internalise the verse from Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 218:"
"Indeed, those who believe, those who migrate and strive in the cause of Allah – it is they who hope for the mercy of Allah. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."
This verse, from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:218), serves as a guiding light for those striving to uphold faith, perseverance, and moral courage in the face of change.
As Maal Hijrah is observed through prayers and spiritual reflection, Muslims are invited to embrace the lessons of the Prophet’s journey – forging ahead with knowledge, integrity, and unity in building a compassionate and forward-looking society. - June 27, 2025
