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HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Syah, Consort of the Sultan of Johor
FLASHBACK - A royal reminder to racial and religious bigots … and Merry Christmas 2023 to Malaysians!
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17, 2023: No News Is Bad News reproduces below an article that had inspired many Malaysians from all walks of life.
It was written by HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Syah, Consort of the Sultan of Johor, who is also the incoming 17th Malaysian Queen next month.
From Facebook:
Christina J. Vasagam
If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?
By HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Syah
DURING the days before Christmas last year, I wished my friends who were celebrating it "Merry Christmas" in much the same way they would wish me "Selamat Hari Raya" or "Happy Eid".
I find it rather sad that such a simple greeting – one which I grew up with and which I have never regarded as something that would compromise or de-value my own faith – is now regarded as something so religiously incorrect for us Malaysian Muslims.
When I was at boarding school in England , I had to go to church every Sunday because it was part of the rules. My father advised me to consider it as part of my "education" and he had no doubt that the experience would strengthen rather than weaken my own faith.
I was able to see the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam. I learned more than the average Malaysian Muslim would about Christianity. I learnt that just as we Muslims categorise ourselves according to the four different schools of thoughts of the four Imams (Imam Malik, Imam Al Shafi, Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmad Abn Hambal) and are either Sunnis or Shias, so Christians too are divided into different sects or churches.
Going to church did not make me less of a Muslim when I was a young girl, and neither does saying "Merry Christmas" make me less of a Muslim now. My faith has not been shaken just because I wished some friends a time of joy with their families. Neither will I suddenly suffer from amnesia and forget what my religion is.
What I do not wish to forget, however, is that there are good, kind people who are not of the same faith as me.
As Harun Yahya, the Turkish writer (he was selected last year as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan) noted:
"Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance".
Today, however, some circles have been presenting a false image of Islam, as if there were conflict between Islam and the adherents of the two other monotheistic religions. Yet Islam's view of Jews and Christians, who are named `the People of the Book' in the Quran, is very friendly and tolerant.
"This attitude towards the People of the Book developed during the years of the birth of Islam. At that time, Muslims were a minority, struggling to protect their faith and suffering oppression and torture from the pagans of the city of Mecca . Due to this persecution, some Muslims decided to flee Mecca and shelter in a safe country with a just ruler. The Prophet Muhammad told them to take refuge with King Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia . The Muslims who followed this advice found a very fair administration that embraced them with love and respect when they went to Ethiopia . King Negus refused the demands of the pagan messengers who asked him to surrender the Muslims to them, and announced that Muslims could live freely in his country.
"Such attitudes of Christian people that are based on the concepts of compassion, mercy, modesty and justice, constitute a fact that God has pointed out in the Quran."
I do not wish to be a self-centred Muslim who expects friends of other faiths to wish me Selamat Hari Raya or, for those who are not Malaysians and therefore do not know about Hari Raya, a Happy Eid and yet do not return their goodwill when it is Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Vesak Day.
Every year, friends who are Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs or those without any faith come to our home to celebrate Hari Raya with us. They do so with sincerity and as a mark of respect for one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar. Why should we not reciprocate their kindness, show them the same mark of respect for their religion and wish them the same joy on their holy days of celebration?
An Islamic scholar and lecturer also reminded me that as Muslims we must remember the importance of both the five Pillars of Islam and in the six Pillars of Iman (Faith), which are:
Belief in Allah;
Belief in the angels;
Belief in the revealed Books (which include the Bible, the Torah and the Holy Quran);
Belief in the Prophets (May Peace be Upon Them);
Belief in the Resurrection and the events of Kiamah, the Day of Judgement; and
Belief in the predestination (Qada' and Qadar) by Allah in all things.
The prophets include not just Muhammad (May Peace Be Upon Him) as the last prophet and as the Messenger of Islam, but also in the 24 earlier ones who are mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran. Four of them are Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Daud (David), and Isa (Jesus).
So, if Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?
We are now in the second decade of the 21st century. Surely, we should, now more than ever, be far more enlightened at a time when information of any sort and of all kinds are so readily available to us.
What is most important is that we regard one another as fellow citizens and treat each other with respect, regardless of our race or religion.
The writer is Royal Fellow, School of Language Studies and Linguistics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and holds a BA (Honours) degree in Chinese Studies, University of Oxford.
Mind Matter-by Raja Zarith
Kesultanan Kedah
Raja Zarith shares fond memories of Christmas and friendship
By Nor Baizura Basri - December 24, 2018 @ 8:34pm
Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah shared her fond memories as a Muslim while living within the Christian community during her teenage years in regards to Christmas celebration.
JOHOR BARU: The Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah today shared her fond memories as a Muslim while living within the Christian community during her teenage years in regards to Christmas celebration tomorrow.
She said the fond memories about Christmases always keep coming back to her every time she went to England nowadays.
“The memories have little to do with the Christian religion but more with friendships forged with English girls who welcomed me without questioning my race or faith.
“I also remember being in charge of decorating the Christmas tree in our boarding house not because our housemistress wanted me to stray away from my Muslim faith but because she considered me as one of the more artistic and creative girls under her care,” she said in the official website of the Royal Johor family here today.
Raja Zarith also described how she kept her tasbih under the pillow, and the Quran she owned, which were both constant reminders of home and my faith.
The Permaisuri of Johor also said she managed to meet with her three English friends at a Malaysian restaurant in England recently, where she gave them Christmas cards and a little gift.
“We hugged each other and promised to meet again.
“Once I was home, and as their messages ping-pinged on my phone, I had a huge smile on my face as I put on my telekung and performed my Isyak prayers,” said Raja Zarith Sofiah.
The Permaisuri of Johor also thanked Allah for granting her unforgettable moments of happiness; for friendships that have lasted for decades; and for all the other countless blessings with which He has showered upon my family.
“And during the last couple of nights, I looked up at the full moon and as always, I was filled with awe at the beauty of His creations. Had I forgotten about Allah and being a Muslim because I was in London during the days before Christmas? The answer is a simple “No”.
“As I walked along the streets of London thronged with shoppers buying Christmas gifts for their families, or tourists like me who were enjoying the cold weather and looking at London landmarks, I thought how wonderful it was for everyone to share in looking at beautiful lights and hearing melodious Christmas songs being sung by choirs almost at every corner we turned,” she said.
The Permaisuri of Johor also pointed out that everyone had a right to celebrate their festive holidays.
“Before I return home, I shall be one of the many frantic mothers looking for gifts and home decorations. Is it because I am celebrating Christmas Day? No. It’s because my second son was born on 25th December. And every birthday deserves a celebration, don’t you agree?
“Tuanku Sultan Johor, my family and I would like to wish everyone celebrating Christmas a happy and memorable time with their families and friends, and to all Malaysians, peace and unity,” she said. - Bernama/NST
Johor Permaisuri: Christmas joy doesn’t make me forget Islam
Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah reminded Malaysians today that everyone has a right to celebrate their own festive holidays in a Christmas message today. — Picture by Miera Zulyana
By By Ben Tan
Monday, 24 Dec 2018 5:30 PM MYT
JOHOR BARU, Dec 24 — In a unique Christmas message, the Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah reminded Malaysians today that everyone has a right to celebrate their own festive holidays.
“Instead of seeing shadows when there are none, I feel — as do my husband and our family — that everyone has a right to celebrate their festive holidays,” she said, referring to Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
The queen consort’s Christmas message, posted on the Johor royal family’s official website yesterday, was based on her current view and also fondly recalled her years spent in a boarding school in England.
She shared her experience as a teenage student where she celebrated Christmas along with her Christian schoolmates while not neglecting her faith as a Muslim.
“The memories have little to do with the Christian religion but more with friendships forged with English girls who welcomed me without questioning my race or faith.
“I also remember being in charge of decorating the Christmas tree in our boarding house not because our housemistress wanted me to stray away from my Muslim faith but because she considered me as one of the more artistic and creative girls under her care.
“She knew about the tasbih I kept under my pillow, and the Quran I had brought with me. Both were constant reminders of home and my faith,” she narrated.
The 59-year-old, who now visits the United Kingdom as a tourist, said that people of different faiths can respect the celebration of another faith’s festive holiday without losing their own.
“Have I forgotten about Allah and being a Muslim because I am in London during the days before Christmas? The answer is a simple ‘no’.
“As I walk along the streets of London thronged with shoppers buying Christmas gifts for their families, or tourists like me who are enjoying the cold weather and looking at London landmarks, I think how wonderful it is for everyone to share in looking at beautiful lights and hearing melodious Christmas songs being sung by choirs almost at every corner we turn.
“I compare myself here with tourists in Malaysia before Hari Raya when shopping malls are filled with Muslims busy buying Raya clothes. It is really not that different,” she added.
Towards the end of her message, Raja Zarith Sofiah said the Sultan of Johor, her family and herself would like to wish everyone celebrating Christmas a happy and memorable time with their families and friends.
In 2016, Raja Zarith Sofiah had expressed her views that such a simple Christmas greeting — one which she grew up with and had never regarded as something that would compromise or devalue her own faith — is now regarded as something so religiously incorrect for Malaysian-Muslims.
Earlier today, the royal couple wished all Christians a Merry Christmas, ahead of the celebrations tomorrow. - malaymail
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar
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HH Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim (the Tunku Temenggong of Johor) brought Christmas cheer to the elderly and children at the Miriam Home in Kluang today (15th Dec). The Johor Prince, in his capacity as Chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent National Community Services Committee, has made it a point to visit the Old Folks home annually. Miriam Home, which is run by the Canossian Catholic Sisters, has been providing love and care for the elderly in Kluang for over 30 years. The home was built on land donated to the Sisters by the late Sultan Ibrahim ibni al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar. Tunku Idris, who was accompanied by several Malaysian Red Crescent officials, handed out Christmas goody bags to the delighted inmates and 38 children from the Damo Orphanage and Agape Children’s Shelter also in Kluang. Later, His Highness was surprised with a special cake to mark his up-coming 29th birthday by the grateful residents of Miriam Home.
~~~~~
YAM Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim (Tunku Temenggong Johor) menceriakan suasana di Pusat Jagaan Rumah Orang Tua Miriam di Kluang pada hari ini (15hb Disember) sempena sambutan Hari Natal. Selaku Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Khidmat Masyarakat Kebangsaan, Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia, Tunku Temenggong mengadakan kunjungan ke Pusat Jagaan Rumah Orang Tua tersebut setiap tahun. Pusat Jagaan Rumah Miriam yang diuruskan oleh Canossian Catholic Sisters telah beroperasi lebih 30 tahun di tanah yang dikurniakan oleh Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar. Tunku Idris yang diiringi beberapa pegawai Bulan Sabit Merah berkenan memberi beg cenderahati kepada penghuni pusat jagaan tersebut serta kepada 38 orang anak yatim daripada Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Damo dan Rumah Agape dari Kluang. Sebelum majlis selesai, penghuni Pusat Jagaan Rumah Orang Tua Miriam telah memberi kejutan kepada Tunku Idris dengan menghadiahkan kek sempena hari keputeraan baginda yang ke-29 pada 25hb Disember ini.
Saturday 16 December 2023
Berry’s issues no ‘Christmas’ or ‘X’mas’ messages on its cakes?
No News Is Bad News
Is this memo authentic? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blAprli58oc (Bakery says no Christmas greetings on cakes, in line with Jakim order)
Berry’s issues no ‘Christmas’ or ‘X’mas’ messages on its cakes?
Our Stand: No News Is Bad News does not question Jakim on how it implements or regulates the issuance of Halal Certificates. It is their absolute right. Period. But we do object businesses that support Jakim to curb the rights of non-Muslims. It is, therefore, the right of non-Muslims to react by boycotting such businesses that place Halal Certificates above the rights and freedom of non-Muslims in multi-racial-religious Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16, 2023: The above memo, purportedly issued by the management of Berry’s Cake House Sdn Bhd, is now circulating in social media.
The authenticity of the memo has not been verified by No News Is Bad News, but if it is not authentic, then it is a serious matter for Berry to act immediately by lodging a police report and clarify the matter immediately.
Meanwhile, multi-racial-religious Malaysians must act against such racial and religious bigotry individuals and business managements.
And the best way for the rakyat (people) to save multi-racial-religious Malaysia from such bigots is to boycott all such business managements.
In the above case, Berry allegedly banned its staff from writing the words “Merry Christmas” or “Merry X’mas” on its cakes.
For Berry’s information:
> IT is the absolute right of customers/consumers to want whatever message (provided it is decent) they want to be written on cakes;
> THE use of halal bakery cream or sugar or ingredients to write messages on cakes does not make cakes halal or non-halal; and
> SUCH fanatical religious impositions are simply bigotry, highlighting the difficulties in combating prejudice and bigotry in Malaysia; and
> POLICE must act against those who use racial and religious bigotry to undermine and threaten national unity and harmony.
Malaysians who love and treasure national unity and harmony must start fighting back against such bigots by boycotting their businesses. Blacklist all such businesses and stop patronising such outlets forever to teach them a painful lesson.
It will surely deal a death blow to the earnings of such businesses, even to the extent of forcing them to close down.
In this case, there are tens of thousands of cake houses in Malaysia, why continue to support bigoted businesses.
This is the information you get on Berry from Google:
BERRY'S CAKE HOUSE SDN. BHD. (MALAYSIA)
Main Activities: Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing
Full name: Berry'S Cake House Sdn. Bhd.Profile Updated: October 16, 2022
Buy our report for this company MYR 125Most recent financial data: 2021Available in: EnglishDownload a sample report
Berry'S Cake House Sdn. Bhd. is a company based in Malaysia, with its head office in Subang Jaya. It operates in the Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing industry. It was first established on September 13, 1994. The latest financial highlights indicate a net sales revenue increase of 2.19% in 2021. Over the same period, its total assets grew by 10.67%. The net profit margin of Berry'S Cake House Sdn. Bhd. increased by 0.82% in 2021.
Headquarters
No. 19 (1St Floor) Jalan Usj 10/1E 47610 Subang Jaya Selangor
Subang Jaya; Selangor; Postal Code: 47610
Contact Details: Purchase the Berry'S Cake House Sdn. Bhd.
No News Is Bad News reproduces blow a MalaysiaNow news report on Jakim's stand on the matter:
The 'Merry Christmas' greeting has been the subject of contention before but this is the first time it has emerged that the greeting could affect a product's official halal status.
December 24, 2020 4:46 PM
The seasonal greeting of 'Merry Christmas' has been the subject of contention for some time now.
The government’s halal authority today said the use of “Merry Christmas” on products would invalidate their halal certification, in a statement that is likely to reignite a debate on policies seen as regressive to Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
A spokesman for the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) confirmed to MalaysiaNow the existence of such a condition before a company is awarded halal certification, following an incident reported by a member of the public.
MalaysiaNow earlier reported about a bakery which could not fulfil a customer’s request for “Merry Christmas” to be written on a cake he had ordered for delivery to a friend.
Instead, the cake was delivered with the words “Happy Holidays”.
The bakery owner said it was because he had to abide by the rules set by Jakim as part of the application process for getting halal certification.
“The bakery was not wrong as it is part of the regulations,” an officer from Jakim’s communications unit told MalaysiaNow.
He cited a labelling rule stated in Jakim’s manual on the procedures leading towards halal certification.
“Labelling and advertising of products and services should not involve the use of any religious or spiritual passage, symbol or noun such as the names of Allah, sunnah, idols and the like,” according to the document sighted by MalaysiaNow.
The “Merry Christmas” greeting has been a subject of debate in Malaysia, with some Muslim preachers claiming Muslims are prohibited from using the expression as it is a veneration of Christ.
But this is the first time it has emerged that the greeting could also affect a product’s official halal status.
Bakery says no Christmas greetings on cakes, in line with Jakim order
Cake house manager Daniel Teoh said the bakery is at risk of losing its halal certification if it does not follow the rule.
Predeep Nambiar - 16 Dec 2023, 11:01pm
A Jakim statement says premises with halal certificates may not put cakes with Christmas greetings on public display. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: A bakery chain accused of being racist for not allowing Christmas greetings on its cakes has said it is merely abiding by a rule set by Jakim, the Islamic development department.
Berry’s Cake House operations manager Daniel Teoh said the bakery had no choice but to adhere to the ruling or risk losing its halal certificate.
“But we are now being accused as racist, when we are not. We are merely following orders,” he told FMT after being asked about an internal memo that had gone viral.
“We are not simply doing this (prohibiting Christmas greetings). What would happen if they (Jakim) suddenly audit us? They would revoke our halal certificate,” he said.
However, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said this evening that there are no restrictions on festive greetings on cakes for customers to take home.
He said he has asked Jakim to clarify the matter immediately, The Star reported. A video would also be produced.
The memo, from Teoh to bakery staff, told employees to refuse any requests to decorate cakes with Merry Christmas or Xmas greetings. Instead, customers were to be given an option of placing a Season’s Greetings cake topper.
An image of the internal memo that was shown to a customer who had confronted an employee.
According to a Jakim statement issued in December 2020, premises with halal certification are allowed to place festive greetings on products if the goods was not meant to be put on display.
Products with the halal logo which are meant for display also may not bear such greetings, the statement said.
Teoh said his memo was meant for internal use, but a staff member who was confronted by a customer had shown his letter to them in defence.
He said Berry’s had followed Jakim’s rules strictly, and also referred to Jakim before releasing any product for sale.
In 2020, then religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad said Christmas greetings would not void any halal certification by Jakim. He said it was only wrong for cake shops to put on public display items bearing Christmas greetings.
However, any request to have greetings piped on cakes ordered by customers was all right, he had said.
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