BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: National Al-Hafiz from Brunei Darussalam, Muhammad Ekram ‘Afif Awang Mohd Hanafi, successfully completed a month-long religious mission in Osaka, Japan, serving as an imam for Tarawih prayers during Ramadan.
“Although I was unable to be in Brunei Darussalam on the first day of Syawal, I am deeply grateful to finally return to my homeland and reunite with my family to celebrate the remaining days of Aidilfitri after fulfilling the responsibilities and trust that were entrusted to me, as well as striving to uphold the good name of Brunei Darussalam in the eyes of the international community and to contribute to the efforts of Islamic dakwah at the global level,” Muhammad Ekram ‘Afif said.
He was given the honour of leading the Aidilfitri prayers and delivering the sermon at a newly established mosque in Wakayama, scheduled for official opening in October and delivered the final Friday sermon of Ramadan in English.
According to the Islamic Studies Department (JPI), the alumni member of Al-Azhar University (Ma’had Qiraat Shoubra), was invited to lead Tarawih prayers at the Japan Dakwah Centre throughout Ramadan along with 11 fellow huffaz from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.
The group served at several mosques and prayer halls across Osaka from Feb 16 to March 25, where throughout this period, Muhammad Ekram ‘Afif also delivered religious talks, actively participated in community outreach, and engaged in various spiritual programmes organised by the Japan Dakwah Centre.
Beyond religious duties, the delegation participated in a range of cultural and educational activities, including learning about Japanese culture and language, attending conversion and marriage ceremonies among Japanese Muslims, visiting universities, and exploring historical sites around Osaka.
The initiative aims to provide Al-Quran memorisers with international exposure, allowing them to apply their recitation skills in diverse communities while enhancing their confidence in delivering religious messages as well as seeks to develop skilled and professional Tarawih imams.
A programme organised by the MABIMS Al-Quran Learning and Dissemination Centre under Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and the Japan Dakwah Centre, this initiative further strengthens international cooperation and promotes Islamic outreach, while enhancing Brunei’s institutional presence on the global stage. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
