BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in his speech in conjunction with the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijrah, stressed that progress in the material and spiritual spheres requires continuous effort and commitment.
The arrival of a new year, the monarch said, should serve as a platform to renew one’s resolve rather than be a signal to begin taking action.
“There are still many tasks that must be undertaken, both in the material and spiritual spheres. The material sphere encompasses the economy and physical development, while the spiritual sphere includes knowledge, education and dakwah,” he said.
“With sincere intentions solely for Allah the Almighty, let us together express our gratitude to Him for granting us the opportunity to once again welcome and celebrate the Hijrah New Year. We hope and pray that this new year will be filled with good deeds and beneficial efforts for ourselves, our families and our beloved country,” he said.
The Sultan noted that the world today continues to face numerous challenges and conflicts.
“Where there is war, little good can be expected apart from suffering and hardship, and no party is exempt from feeling its effects,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the Sultan expressed gratitude that Brunei Darussalam continues to enjoy peace and stability, free from natural disasters that disrupt daily life.
“All of this is a blessing resulting from Brunei being nurtured through prayers, zikir and the recitation of Al-Quran,” the monarch said.
However, the Sultan highlighted crime as an issue that requires collective attention. Drug-related offences, theft and other criminal acts, the monarch said, tarnish the nation’s image and are strongly condemned by religion.
He called on all relevant agencies, particularly those responsible for security and religious affairs, to act swiftly and effectively in addressing such issues.
For the religious sector specifically, he emphasised the importance of strengthening religious education and dakwah efforts to instil greater awareness and rejection of drugs and other crimes within society.
“In my view, in such circumstances, we as Muslims must not neglect our prayers for safety and protection, asking that our nation be preserved from crime. Insya Allah, protection will remain on our side,” the Sultan said.
He added that safeguarding the ummah and the nation is a shared responsibility, expressing confidence that this can be achieved with the blessings and permission of Allah the Almighty.
“Therefore, we as Muslims must always remain vigilant, never negligent or complacent, while increasing our prayers and remembrance of Allah in seeking safety and protection,” he said.
In closing, the Sultan and members of the royal family extended their wishes for a Happy New Year 1448 Hijrah to all citizens and residents of the country. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
