BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah said that the observance of the five daily prayers is central to shaping excellent and balanced human capital, in his sabda delivered in conjunction with the celebration of Israk and Mikraj on Saturday (Jan 17).
His Royal Highness, who is Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted that Israk and Mikraj stands as an extraordinary event that elevated the status of Prophet Muhammad as a guiding example for all of mankind, while also marking the direct command for the obligation of the five daily compulsory prayers.
The Crown Prince said the prescription of prayer at Sidratul Muntaha reflects its exalted position as the pillar of religion and a foundation for moral strength within the Muslim ummah.
Referring to this year’s theme, Prayer as the Foundation of Excellent Human Capital, His Royal Highness said a person’s excellence should not be measured solely by physical capability or intellectual achievement, but must also be anchored in spiritual steadfastness, noble character, and self-discipline — values cultivated through prayer performed with devotion and humility.
He noted that the quality of prayer forms the basis of human success, citing Surah al-Mu’minun, verses 1 to 2, which emphasise that successful believers are those who are humble in their prayers.
In this regard, His Royal Highness referred to the titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal, during the Israk and Mikraj celebration of 1446 Hijrah, which underscored that the hearts and minds of those who pray are directed solely towards Allah the Almighty, resulting in calmness, clarity and sound judgement.
With this in mind, the Crown Prince said that such clarity of mind enables individuals to discern between right and wrong; a fundamental quality in the cultivation of well-rounded human capital.
He added that, in Brunei tradition, human excellence is defined by individuals who are knowledgeable, well-mannered, religious and of noble character.
His Royal Highness then stressed that the development of such individuals begins within a strong family institution, which serves as the primary foundation in shaping children’s personality, values, and morals. Efforts to strengthen families, he said, must be carried out in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
His Royal Highness also referred to the titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the Maulidur Rasul celebration of 1447 Hijrah, which emphasised that families founded upon faith, piety and love for Allah the Almighty will be imbued with tranquillity, affection and mercy.
Concluding his sabda, His Royal Highness reminded that every individual is a leader who will be accountable for those under their care, and called on the public to draw lessons from the event of Israk and Mikraj by strengthening their relationship with Allah the Almighty through the proper observance of prayer.
“Therefore, it is an absolute priority to educate our children to become individuals of noble character and to keep them away from all harmful influences, particularly in this challenging era,” continued His Royal Highness.
“It is our shared aspiration to nurture each family institution into a blessed household, guided by the example of the family of the Prophet Muhammad. Our success in doing so will also serve as a catalyst for the achievement of the goals of Wawasan Negara 2035.” - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
