BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah led a procession through Bandar Seri Begawan Monday (Aug 24) in conjunction with the national-level Maulud Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam celebration for 1448 Hijrah.
Joining the procession were His Majesty’s sons, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His Majesty’s brothers, Prince Sufri Bolkiah and Prince Jefri Bolkiah, also took part.
Upon arrival at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs Datuk Seri Setia Mohammad Tashim Hassan, in his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the National Islamic Celebration and the 1448 Hijrah National-Level Adult Al-Quran Reading Competition.
Also greeting His Majesty were Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Major General (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Halbi Mohd Yussof; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law) Datuk Seri Setia Sufian Sabtu; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Energy, Upstream and Downstream) Datuk Seri Setia Mohamad Azmi Mohd Hanifah; and Minister of Health Datuk Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohammad Isham Jaafar, who is co-adviser to the executive committee.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by State Mufti Pehin Datuk Seri Maharaja Datuk Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz Juned.
In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Religious Affairs said the celebration not only commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad, but also provided an opportunity for Muslims to renew their understanding of the central message of his mission: upholding Tawhid, guiding humanity towards the correct Aqidah and calling on people to worship Allah the Almighty alone.
This year’s theme, “Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam Suluh Aqidah”, calls on the community to appreciate the Prophet as a guiding light leading humanity away from misguidance and towards Allah’s guidance.
The minister said the Prophet’s approach to dakwah remained an important guide in developing Brunei Darussalam’s Muslim community and the nation.
Dakwah, he added, extended beyond conveying Islamic teachings to deepening understanding, strengthening Aqidah and guiding the community to remain firmly grounded in Al-Quran and Sunnah according to the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
In line with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ vision of “Empowering Quality and Innovative Religious Services”, efforts to strengthen religious education and dakwah are being carried out continuously.
Among them is the Nationwide Religious Programme, which engages religious and Arabic school students and teachers in activities centred on Al-Quran, selawat, tahlil, zikir and Islamic celebrations.
The minister said such programmes would continue to be strengthened and monitored to ensure they did not become merely ceremonial, but contributed meaningfully to religious understanding and practice, as well as the development of good character.
He also highlighted efforts to guide young people and provide opportunities for their involvement in mosque and dakwah activities.
Programmes such as Masjid Tour, Mari Imarahkan Masjid and the ‘Ilm Series provide platforms for dakwah, mosque activities and youth development, helping to nurture knowledgeable and well-mannered young people prepared to shoulder responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan, through its Centre for the Study of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Understanding, continues to broaden public knowledge of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed.
Monthly lectures and seminars are conducted for civil servants, educational institutions, mosque institutions and the wider community. These include academic platforms such as the International Seminar on Understanding Aqidah and Contemporary Thought (SAKAPES).
The minister said the initiatives demonstrated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening religious services and fostering correct understanding, firm Aqidah and good character in daily life, in line with the national aspiration to place Islam at the heart of the country’s development.
The ceremony continued with a Dikir Marhaban performance and the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar by a combined group of officers and staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A 21-gun salute was fired during the recitation of Ya Habibi.
Before the procession began, Chief Syariah Judge Datuk Paduka Seri Setia Salim Besar led the recitation of selawat.
A total of 5,435 participants from 102 teams joined the procession. They were divided into five categories: Main Team; Ministries; Higher Education Institutions, Colleges, Arabic Schools and Private Secondary Schools; Villages and Mosques; and Associations and Private Sector.
Similar gatherings and processions were held simultaneously in the other three districts.
The Belait District procession was held at Padang Bandaran in Kuala Belait, while the Tutong District event took place at the open area of the Community Hall Complex. In Temburong District, the gathering was held at the car park of Dewan Belalong at the Mukim Bangar Community Hall Complex. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
