BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (pic) has called upon all levels of society to reflect upon the Prophet Muhammad’s sincere compassion, patience and pursuit of justice, to deeply emulate these qualities, and to practise them with steadfast determination.
This call was made in His Majesty’s message in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul for 1447 Hijrah delivered Thursday (Sept 4).
This year’s National Level Maulidur Rasul celebration carries the theme of the Prophet as the example of a family of tranquility, love and compassion.
His Majesty highlighted that this theme carries an important lesson in strengthening the family institution and fostering the spiritual education of the Muslim ummah. A family built upon faith, piety, and love for Allah naturally becomes a household filled with tranquility, affection and mercy.
The Prophet, as a husband, father, and head of the household, demonstrated how peace, love and compassion could be nurtured at home. He began his role as an educator and builder of the family, teaching the values of ihsan (compassion), justice, and responsibility.
“We all have responsibilities, as reflected in the Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim: ‘Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be held accountable for those under your care.’”
In His Majesty’s view, this Hadith exemplifies the importance of raising and educating children to become individuals of noble character, protecting them from negative influences such as bullying, which is increasingly reported today.
“I wish to emphasise that such misconduct must not be allowed to take root in Brunei. I do not wish to see our youth, students, or schoolchildren becoming entangled in or influenced by such harmful behaviours. This is not Brunei’s culture. Our culture is grounded in the straight and perfect teachings of Rasulullah,” His Majesty said.
The monarch also urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), the Ministry of Education, and all public and private institutions of learning to strengthen supervision and reinforce moral education among students, from primary through higher levels.
His Majesty acknowledged the initiative of the MoRA, together with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Brunei AIDS Council, in jointly organising the Active and Admirable, Charismatic and Excellent Youth Camp, Husnul Khuluqi.
This programme guides youth towards becoming true Muslims through activities centred on Islamic tarbiyyah (education and nurturing), said the monarch.
“I am confident that if efforts to shape Muslim character are integrated into the national education system, social ills in this country will be curbed and kept under control.
Furthermore, the nation will be able to produce a young generation who are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also possess noble character.”
His Majesty also prayed that Allah grants blessings and protection to Brunei and encouraged everyone to emulate the Prophet in every aspect of life, in order to attain happiness and blessings in this world and the hereafter. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
