MIRI (Sept 17): The annual Maulidur Rasul procession in Miri Division saw an overwhelming turnout yesterday, with over 3,000 Muslims from various contingents participating in the grand event. This year’s procession was not only a celebration of Prophet Muhammad SAW’s birthday but also a reminder of the importance of unity among Sarawak’s multiracial and multi-religious communities.
A Celebration of Unity and Faith
A total of 3,159 participants from 50 contingents, including government agencies, statutory bodies, financial institutions, private firms, mosques, associations, and schools, came together for the Maulidur Rasul procession. The event, held annually to honour the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, carries significant religious and cultural importance for the Muslim community in Sarawak.
The procession commenced from the Miri Civic Centre and was led by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who emphasized the importance of preserving unity in his remarks.
Lukanisman: Unity is Key to Sarawak’s Prosperity
Addressing the participants, Datuk Lukanisman urged Sarawakians to continue fostering unity among the state’s diverse communities. He drew inspiration from Prophet Muhammad SAW’s life, highlighting how the Prophet was able to unite followers from different backgrounds.
“The main key for Sarawak to prosper is to maintain unity. Prophet Muhammad SAW has shown strong unity among his followers, even though they come from different backgrounds. We too must maintain the unity that we have in Sarawak irrespective of our race and religion,” Lukanisman said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s progress and harmony depend on the ability of its people to embrace their differences and work together towards common goals. By adhering to values such as trust, integrity, and justice, which are the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, Sarawak can build a more stable and prosperous future.
A Call for Unity in Development
Lukanisman also called upon the people of Sarawak to guide their development efforts with these values to ensure that progress benefits all and is blessed by Allah SWT.
“We need to strive to develop Sarawak by sticking to these values, so that the progress achieved really benefits everyone and is blessed by Allah SWT,” he added.
Maulidur Rasul Procession Winners Announced
The event also featured a competitive spirit with various contingents participating in different categories of the Maulidur Rasul procession. The winners for each category were celebrated for their outstanding participation and received generous cash prizes.
Overall Champion: Nurul Jamilun Subhi Kampung Pujut Adong Mosque
Emerging as the overall champion of the divisional-level Maulidur Rasul procession was the Nurul Jamilun Subhi Kampung Pujut Adong mosque. Their team’s dedication and presentation were highly praised, earning them the top spot.
Category B (Higher Learning Institutions/Skills Centre)
- Sarawak Skills Miri – First Place
- Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Miri Campus – Second Place
- Curtin University – Third Place
Category C (Government Agencies and Statutory Bodies)
- Miri Immigration Department – Champion
- Miri Central Prison – Second Place
- Miri Customs Department – Third Place
Category D (Mosques and Surau)
- Nurul Jamilun Subhi Kampung Pujut Adong Mosque – Champion
- Darul Ehsan Piasau Jaya Mosque – Second Place
- An Nur Kampung Pujut Tanjung Batu Mosque – Third Place
Category E (Private Firms/Organisations)
- Badan Kebajikan Islam Petronas PCSB SKA – Champion
- Laku Management Sdn Bhd – Second Place
- Wehaya Sdn Bhd – Third Place
Village, Association, Club, and Hadrah Group Category
- Persatuan Kedayan Miri – First Place
- Pekida Miri – Second Place
- Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dangsanak Limbang Miri – Third Place
Each category winner was awarded RM2,000, while the second and third-place teams received RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively.
A Strong Message of Harmony
The Miri Division Maulidur Rasul procession, once again, highlighted the strong sense of community in Sarawak. The spirit of togetherness and unity showcased by the participants was a testament to Sarawak’s harmonious coexistence, despite its rich diversity in culture, ethnicity, and religion.
This annual event not only celebrates the teachings and life of Prophet Muhammad SAW but also serves as a platform for Sarawakians to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to peace and solidarity.