KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims across the country today commemorated the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the new norm in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government.

Most states observed the day by holding virtual events to ensure the COVID-19 infections in the country continue to decline.

State leaders reminded Muslims to emulate the good virtues of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) apart from continuing efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In KEDAH, the Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah urged the people to continue to comply with the National Recovery Plan (PPN) including the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme.

It is a strategy for Kedah to transition to the next phase under the PPN to ensure the state continues to prosper and its people live in harmony, said the ruler in conjunction with the online state-level Maulidur Rasul celebrations today.

"Strengthen the unity among us and cultivate pure values, in line with the virtues exhibited by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)," the Kedah ruler said.

In conjunction with the celebrations, the principal of the Maahad Dini Sultan Abdul Halim, Alor Setar Mohamad Zaki Husin was named state Maulidur Rasul Personality, while seven recipients from various backgrounds received the Special Awards.

In PAHANG, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah attended a closed door Maulidur Rasul celebrations to comply with the SOPs at a hotel in Kuantan.

The ceremony was also broadcast live on the state government's official social media.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and State Islamic Religious Affairs and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad.

In PENANG, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman called on Muslims to emulate the personality and follow the high moral standards portrayed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Zakiyuddin, who is also the state Islamic Religious Council president said Muslims are the largest group in the state and should contribute towards enhancing harmony and welfare of the state.

"Position yourself as the best human being so that you can be an inspiration to those around you," he said when officiating at the online launching of the Get to Know the Prophet Muhammad Campaign, in conjunction with this year's Maulidur Rasul celebrations, hosted by the Penang Islamic Propagation Coalition today.

In MELAKA, the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam presented the Maulidur Rasul Special Award to 10 recipients for their contributions and services in conjunction with the state level Maulidur Rasul celebrations today.

Various online programmes were also held to enliven the event such as 'Melaka Berselawat', a religious forum and a Yassin recitation event, among others. Also present was Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

In SABAH, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor attended the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebrations held at the Sabah International Convention Centre with a limited number of guests.

In his speech, Juhar reminded Muslims in Sabah not to neglect the obligation to transform themselves to be better people apart from maintaining unity in the face of religious and ethnic diversity.

"I am confident that the people of Sabah are the best model in maintaining the spirit of true unity that cuts across political ideologies, cultures and beliefs," he added.

-- BERNAMA