Buzz over ‘royal kiss on forehead’ has preacher amused
Memorable meeting: Hussain showing the photograph of him kissing King Salman’s forehead.
PETALING JAYA: The man photographed kissing the forehead of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud is amused at his new-found “fame”.
Many had wondered about the person who was allowed to be so near the Saudi Arabia’s heavily-guarded Ruler.
The person in question – Islamic preacher Hussain Yee – said he did not realise the photo of him kissing King Salman’s forehead had gone viral.
He was among a group of religious activists and Malaysian muftis from several states who met King Salman during his four-day visit to Malaysia.
The Saudi Ruler, who is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, granted an audience with the group during a function at St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday
Hussain said he was invited to the meeting by Saudi Arabia’s Islamic counsellor’s office.
He had gone on umrah at the invitation of the Saudi King two years ago, but this was the first time he had met King Salman personally.
“After the meeting ended, the guests including the muftis and I lined up to shake his hand and bid him farewell.
“I kissed his forehead as a sign of respect and love for an elder, which is a norm in Muslim culture,” said the preacher.
When asked if he had chatted with the King, Hussain said he only managed to introduce himself briefly to the Ruler.
“I’m not sure if he would remember me after that; he must have met so many people,” he added with a laugh.
Sheikh Hussain, as he is known, is the founder and president of Al-Khaadem, an organisation dedicated to dakwah (preaching) and social work.
He was born in Kedah and converted to Islam when he was 18 in Penang. He had studied in Madinah for six years.
The preacher, who is in his 60s, said King Salman was very supportive and encouraging of the missionary work he and the rest of the activists do.
“It is like a moral boost for us to move forward. King Salman always wants Muslims to promote peace,” he added.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/03/buzz-over-royal-kiss-on-forehead-has-preacher-amused/#XGTlLHpDs075eT5H.99
