Harmony Dialogue with the Multiracial Orang Asli Community of Kampung Penderas

by: MOHD SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KUALA KRAU, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 – The Muhibbah Programme with the Multiracial Orang Asli Community entered its second day at the Surau of Kampung Orang Asli Penderas featuring a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, communal activities and harmony dialogues that further strengthened ties within the community.

Programme coordinator Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah said the initiative, jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), was designed to foster Islamic brotherhood, invigorate dakwah efforts and enhance unity between the Orang Asli community and the wider Muslim society.

He noted that the close collaboration of PERKIM Pahang, supported by volunteers from the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) and the PERKIM Club of Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS) had made the programme even more impactful.

“From early morning, the atmosphere was lively as villagers and volunteers joined in communal activities  preparing food, cleaning the surau grounds and setting up the venue. The strong spirit of cooperation displayed here reflects the very soul of this programme,” he said.

The event continued with a religious lecture delivered by Sheikh Ismail Khamis Abouelkheir Abdelhady, a visiting lecturer from Al-Azhar University to UniPSAS.

In his tausiyah (religious discourse), Sheikh Ismail emphasised that the greatest blessing for Muslims is the gift of Islam and faith. Islam, he said, is a religion of submission to Allah SWT, the true source of happiness and the path to salvation in this world and the hereafter.

Delivered in Arabic and translated by UniPSAS student Muhammad Naqib Iman Muhammad Salihin, the lecture reminded the audience of the Prophet’s supplication that his heart remain steadfast in faith. Sheikh Ismail further stressed the importance of being content with Allah as Lord, Islam as religion, and Prophet Muhammad SAW as Messenger.

Citing the Prophet’s words, he said the Prophet yearned for believers who came after his time and who had never seen him, yet would be recognised on the Day of Judgement by the radiant light of ablution shining on their faces, hands and feet.

True happiness, Sheikh Ismail said, lies only in divine guidance, while those who turn away will live in hardship and be raised blind on the Day of Judgement.

“Islam is a mercy to all creation. It unites brotherhood, spreads compassion, and encompasses not only mankind but also animals and plants. Humanity is entrusted with the task of prospering the earth, doing good and benefitting others,” he said, before concluding with the reminder that Islam is a religion of ease, gentleness and gratitude for the blessing of divine guidance.

Following the lecture, villagers congregated at the surau for Friday prayers. Senator Shahrol Wizan Sulong, who also serves as surau chairman, delivered the Friday sermon on the theme “The Dangers of Backbiting.”

In his sermon, he warned that backbiting is a spiritual disease that destroys brotherhood and causes division in society. Speaking ill of others without right, he said, is a major sin that erodes good deeds just as fire consumes dry wood.

He urged the congregation to guard their tongues, avoid gossip and increase remembrance of Allah through zikir and supplication. Upholding the dignity and honour of others, he stressed, is a noble trait mandated by Islam.

He called on the community to replace gossip with constructive advice and prayers for one another, as this is the true mark of love and compassion.

After prayers, the programme proceeded with the Harmony Dialogue with the Multiracial Orang Asli Community, moderated by Arif Ikhwan Ishak, Deputy Executive of PERKIM Pahang.

The dialogue was led by Senator Shahrol Wizan, who highlighted the importance of the principles of hijrah (migration) and nusrah (support) as the foundation of true brotherhood.

He drew parallels with the Prophet’s companions, the Muhajirin who migrated and the Ansar who welcomed them as a timeless model for building genuine solidarity.

He reminded villagers to warmly welcome visiting delegations, as offering hospitality and assistance forms part of the practice of nusrah.

“Just as Yathrib was transformed into Madinah al-Munawwarah with the arrival of Rasulullah SAW, I hope this programme will also bring blessings and strengthen bonds of brotherhood here,” he said.

Senator Shahrol Wizan expressed gratitude to the organisers and prayed for Allah’s protection over participants as they returned to their homes, villages and workplaces.

He emphasised that the bonds forged during the two-day programme must not end there but be continuously nurtured.

“Even thousands of units of prayer or tens of thousands of remembrances mean little without love and brotherhood. The strength of the ummah lies in unity. That is the cornerstone of harmony and solidarity,” he stressed.

The harmony dialogue concluded with a warm handshake session and a communal lunch with the villagers.

Also present were PERKIM Pahang Honorary Secretary Mahadi Deraman and members of the PERKIM National Secretariat, including Azura Abdul Rahman, Fatin Akmal Aksah, Farah Irisha Hazlizam and Mohamad Fardly Johan.

The secretariat and volunteers worked tirelessly in a spirit of cooperation to prepare lunch.

The secretariat arranged the cooking ingredients for the afternoon meal.

Sheikh Ismail Khamis delivered a religious discourse in Arabic to the villagers.

“Islam is a mercy for all creation and it binds brotherhood,” he said, as translated by Naqib Iman (left).

YB Senator Shahrol Wizan delivered the Friday sermon entitled “The Dangers of Backbiting” as the appointed khatib.

In his sermon, he stressed that backbiting is a disease of the tongue that can cause division within society.

Villagers, including children, raised their hands in supplication during the prayer recited between the two sermons.

YB Senator Shahrol Wizan also addressed the community during the Harmony Dialogue.

He emphasised the importance of the concepts of hijrah (migration) and nusrah (support) as the foundation of brotherhood during the dialogue session.

At the conclusion of the Harmony Dialogue, villagers exchanged handshakes in a gesture of goodwill.

Villagers helped themselves to the lunch prepared for the occasion.

They enjoyed the afternoon meal together with their families.

One of the villagers was visibly delighted as he savoured the food prepared collectively in the spirit of gotong-royong.