Muslim Council of Elders host Grand Interfaith Iftar

Apr 04, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The Grand Interfaith Iftar, hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders, Malaysia on March 20 was graced with the presence of notable guests, including Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, and Most Reverend Julian Leow, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. This event took place at the Seri Pacific Hotel.

The evening was hosted by Dato’ Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, former Mufti of Wilayah Persekutuan and ex-Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs. The gathering also saw the participation of Dr Omar Obeidat, director of the Project Management Office and Regional Offices, along with Saeid Khattab, coordinator of Regional Offices at the Muslim Council of Elders, Abu Dhabi. The duo was attending on behalf of Dr Ahmed Muhammad El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar and chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as part of their mission across eight countries to engage in iftars organised by local branches of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The event was honoured by the presence of YB Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), alongside distinguished religious and community leaders from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities.

In his opening speech, Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan quoted Hans Küng, Edward Said and several Muslim figures on the importance of interfaith dialogue in creating peace.

Dato’ Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al- Bakri also affirms the need for religious figures to call on their respective religious followers to continue to commit to their efforts to get to know each other.

Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski expressed his appreciation to the Muslim Council of Elders for the initiative in organising this very meaningful iftar. He added, this clearly describes the harmony and unity of the multi-religious Malaysian society we all live in.

Representing the Sikhs, Dr Charanjit Kaur emphasised the importance of religious leaders to act swiftly to address the current issues involving religion emerging on social media. What’s viral may not necessarily be what’s true but it has created a variety of unhealthy perspectives among religious believers.

Buddhists in Malaysia are always committed to cooperation and unity efforts, said Sr Loh Pai Ling, President of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia. She also praised the approach of the Muslim Council of Elders for organising this breaking of fast event as a medium for religious leaders to meet and discuss in a more relaxed manner.

Several individuals and ministry members from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur were also in attendance with other NGO leaders and felt the iftar was an opportunity to come together and meet others across an array of backgrounds, underscoring the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse faith communities.

During the sacred month of Ramadan, a period of introspection and communal devotion, the Muslim Council of Elders underscores the vital importance of solidarity and understanding within their diverse community. Thus, the Grand Interfaith Iftar serves as a conduit for religious leaders to convene, exchange insights, and foster genuine dialogue. Embracing the essence of Ramadan, the event seeks to fortify the ties of kinship and advocate for peace and acceptance within our societies. Amidst global discord, this occasion stands as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity, illustrating the profound capacity for unity and compassion among all individuals. — AOHD