Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has once again stressed the importance of Muslim unity, this time in his message for Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) tomorrow.

Pointing out how the Prophet had taken pains to build up the Muslim community, Najib said the term ummah (community) was not a term merely for one race that resided at a particular place.

“The term ummah is also applicable when millions of people from various races live in different places. When they live in harmony and in unity, they are one ummah .

“This spirit of togetherness is the basis of unity and Islamic ties,” he said in a blog posting today.

Najib added that it was therefore important for all to appreciate the unity and translate that into a kesatuan kasih saying (union of love) and practical actions.

The premier also reminded how unity was one of the important sunnah (teachings, deeds and sayings of the Prophet) passed down by the Prophet to Muslims.

“Based on this, we will persevere in prospering this beloved country,” he said, adding that Malaysia aimed to become a developed and high-income Islamic nation which held to the principles of wasatiyyah (moderation) and maqasid syariah (foundational goals of syariah).

This is not the first time that Najib has stressed the importance of Muslim unity. At the Umno general assembly two weeks ago, he had also extended an olive branch to arch-rival PAS.

Last Thursday saw both Najib and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang sharing the stage at a conference.

PAS, nevertheless, has yet to make any official decision on cooperation with Umno.