Tengku Hassanal said the month of Zulhijah, which is often referred to as the month of Haj, did not just require Muslims to be more prayerful and increase acts of worship, but to also embody the spirit of sacrifice for religion, nation, and country.

“In this holy month, we should do a lot more charity work and forgo festivals, excessive entertainment and things that could tarnish the sanctity of the month of Zulhijah,” he was reported as saying by the Kesultanan Pahang’s official Facebook page.

Tengku Hassanal had earlier performed Friday prayers at the Tunku Azizah Iskandar mosque in Kampung Baru, Pahang.

He also emphasised the need for Muslims, especially the Malays, to minimise disputes and misunderstandings, aligning with similar calls made recently by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and the Pahang ruler, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, in their Aidiladha messages.

He said Muslims should maintain solidarity and avoid division in the spirit of Zulhijah and sacrifice.

“At the same time, there is a need to preserve the unity and harmony among the various races in the country as a nation’s strength hinges on the respect and understanding we have for each other,” he said.

Tengku Hassanal said unity among Malaysians must be strengthened to ensure stability, prosperity and the country’s future.

He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of the people of Pahang.