KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has graciously received a courtesy visit from Al Habib Ali Zainal Abidin Al Hamid and representatives of the Mahabbah Welfare Association Kuching today (Oct 27).
Al Habib Ali, who also serves as Yayasan Al-Ri’ayah Malaysia chairman, was accompanied by Madrasah Safinatun Najah Kuching principal (Mudir) Habib Mustofa Ali Al Haddad, Madrasah Al-Khairat Kuching deputy principal Ustaz Syed Alawi Mahdi Muhammad Al Attas, and Maulid Akbar 2025 Secretariat chairman Khairul Annuar Datuk Mohamed Sepuan.
The visit at the Astana Negeri Sarawak here was held in conjunction with the Majlis Maulid Akbar 3.0 Sarawak, which commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through selawat recitations, tausiyah (religious talks), and knowledge-sharing sessions by renowned scholars.
The event recently took place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Oct 25.
The courtesy aimed to strengthen ties of brotherhood and foster collaboration between the state leadership and religious institutions, particularly in enhancing efforts in dakwah (Islamic outreach), education, and community welfare in Sarawak.
During the meeting, various views and insights were shared on the role of religious institutions and communities in nurturing spiritual development, expanding welfare networks, and improving the quality of life for Muslims.
Discussions also touched on the functions of baitulmal and zakat in empowering the Islamic economy, human resource management based on Islamic values, and the importance of religious education as the foundation for youth development.
Wan Junaidi emphasised that Islam in Sarawak has grown peacefully and wisely, thanks to the foresight of earlier scholars who prioritized compassion, knowledge, and noble character.
He also shared his perspective on Sarawak’s history, noting that the common narrative often begins during the Brooke era in the 1840s.
However, he highlighted that Sarawak’s history dates back centuries earlier, including the Kingdom of Banting in the Lingga, Simanggang area, founded by Sharif Agil bin Sharif Yassin.
Wan Junaidi also expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the visit, and prayed that all efforts in dakwah, education, and welfare led by Islamic scholars and organisations in Sarawak would continue to receive Allah’s blessings and bring lasting benefits to the well-being of the ummah and the harmony of the state.
