He said based on media reports, it was clear these activities occurred on a very large scale.

Sultan Nazrin said history showed practices such as these, as well as the ravenous craving for power had caused the downfall of many governments and the collapse of many civilisations.

“In the history of Islamic governments, many among the leaders of the Bani Umaiyyah (Umayyad Caliphate) and Bani Abbas (Abbasid Caliphate), who were preoccupied with worldly pleasures, were willing to use their wealth to remain in power.

“When power is regarded as an opportunity to satisfy one’s personal interest, the functioning of the government will be impaired and this will ultimately lead to the downfall and collapse of a civilisation,” the Sultan said at the state-level Maulidur Rasul 1438H celebration here.

Also gracing the event were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah.

Perak Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and state executive councillors were also among the 2,000 people present at the celebration.

Sultan Nazrin said wealth acquired through means forbidden by Islamic law was a form of abuse.

He said in celebrating Maulidur Rasul, Muslims should make the sunnah (sayings and teachings) of Prophet Muhammad a guiding principle, especially in seeking formulas to tackle the current situation.

“Hopefully, by delving into the history and way of life of the Prophet, the Muslim community will have the strength to promote a more noble character, so that they can become more trustworthy people,” the Sultan said.