KOTA KINABALU: With Christmas around the corner, Muslims, especially converts, are reminded to keep up the good relations with their friends and family of different religions.

Sabah PAS Dewan Ulama chief Mustaqim Aling said Islam does not teach its believers to break off their ties with families, even if their families do not share the same religion.

“In Sabah, I hope we can all celebrate the festival together, and for those who have converted from Christianity to Islam, you should still visit, respect and spend time with your parents and family,” he said.

He said if everyone is aware of this, and respects one another, there would not be chaos in the society.

Mustaqim also urged everyone to keep up the spirit of open houses and visiting one another during festive seasons or celebrations to strengthen ties as a community.

“We want to ensure that Sabah continues to prosper and its people live happily as one big family,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 23).