They took out their cameras to capture this permanent feature of Malaysian society as people from different walks of life broke fast in the mosque together.
The 21-member group, mainly made up of women donned in hijabs, was given a tour of the mosque by its chairman, Mujahid Yusof Rawa, before being treated to a buffet dinner while sitting cross-legged on a straw mat next to the prayer hall.
They later observed terawih prayers typically carried out in the month of Ramadan, going on to ask mosque committee members present questions on Islamic practices.
Taipei native Kuo Chen Hsiu, 62, and her husband, Lee Yueh Fong, 67, seemed fascinated as they watched the mosque committee members hand out food packets to the poor.
“It is something we Buddhists relate to very well … giving alms to the needy. We are so pleased to see this in this mosque,” Lee, a retired botanist, said.
Lee said his preconceived notions about Islam flew out of the window after watching how Anglican and Catholic priests hugged an imam as they met.
“There is a lot of mutual respect among the various races and religions here in Penang. We find that very heart-warming,” he said.
The Taiwanese listened intently as Mujahid narrated the story of how the Acheen Street Mosque helped halt the Penang riots that occurred in 1867.
Mujahid, who was formerly Parit Buntar MP, said the muhibah buka puasa event was key to fostering understanding, especially in the face of extremist elements which threaten to ruin the country’s interracial harmony.
“In a world full of hate, we try to overcome this by spreading love and taking the path of peace. We show others an example of how Malaysians get along with others,” he said.
The event’s co-organiser, Penang Gandhi Peace Centre chairman Anwar Fazal, provided some background behind the muhibah buka puasa event, which started in 2009 and was put on a hiatus for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also noted the late Indian president, APJ Abdul Kalam, had praised the diversity and unity in George Town’s Pitt Street when he went on a walkabout during his visit in 2008.
The street, which is where the Acheen Street Mosque is located, is often referred to as the “Street of Harmony” as different houses of worship are located along this road.
Among the leaders of different faiths present at yesterday’s event were Anglican Bishop Charles Samuel and Roman Catholic Bishop Sebastian Francis.
“We share together this evening with the people of Penang, the people of the world, in obedience to God. May peace be upon all of us,” said Francis.