Putrajaya: Embrace national unity with sincerity and a willingness to sacrifice, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Relating to the hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madinah, Najib said Malaysians could learn from the two tribes of Ansar and Mahajirin in the migration event, whose genuine sense of unity had yielded success for them.

Likewise, the transformation of Malaysia could only succeed based on the same spirit of unity among the people, he said.

"The Mahajirin tribe was acceptant and thankful, while the Ansar willingly assisted the Mahajirin like brothers by providing them with land, shelter and even business capital.

"What is clear is that this solidarity required sacrifice, sincerity and a spirit of acceptance.

"I urge that we reflect on the spirit shown by these two tribes who focused on the common grounds instead of the differences between them, celebrated in each other's good and stayed away from side-stepping, taunts or insults," he said at the Maal Hijrah celebrations at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.

Najib, who extended the meaning of hijrah to encompass change and transformation, said efforts to transform the nation must be fulfilled according to several criteria.

These include the practice of wasatiyyah (moderation), impartiality, and inclusiveness at all levels of the society.

Whilst changes were introduced, however, Najib said it was pertinent to maintain good values.

"In its broader meaning, hijrah also means a migration from darkness to the light in truth, backwardness to progress, ignorance to knowledge, dissent to unity, inequity to justice and the likes.

"It also means a transformation of the mind, attitude, habits, character, and a national administration which is effective and efficient," he said.

Najib also urged Muslims to hold firm to their faith.

"Like the latest hot topic, where a verse is interpreted as there should be no compulsion in religion (for Muslims), this (statement) has caused a confusion in aqidah, which is a very serious matter that must be corrected.

"Such statements should not be heard," Najib said.