Azlan Othman
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam graced an event to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at the national level for 1442 Hijrah at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital yesterday.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen were also present.
His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of Major Islamic Events Celebration for 1442 Hijrah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and other executive committee members.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin said, “We praise and thank Allah the Almighty for all His blessings that enable us to hold an assembly to mark Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birth anniversary on 12th of Rabiulawal of the Islamic year of 1442 Hijrah while the country is still fighting COVID-19 that is plaguing the world.
“Thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty, this year’s celebration is organised in brief events in designated mosques in the capital and in the other districts.
“We are not celebrating it with the usual assemblies and processions. Instead, we hold brief assemblies in mosques in accordance with COVID-19 control measures.
“However, it fulfils the desire to glorify and mark the event signifying the love for the Prophet and as a sign of gratitude to Allah the Almighty for raising him to be a Prophet to convey His teachings on Islam,” said the minister.
The event continued with a Dikir Marhaban by officers and staff of the Ministry of Development followed by 21 cannon blasts.
There was a religious talk titled ‘Developing with the moral values of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’ delivered by Acting Assistant Mufti (Ifta’) at the State Mufti’s Office Haji Dennie bin Haji Abdullah. A Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti.
Assemblies to mark Prophet Muhammad‘s (pbuh) birth anniversary were also held simultaneously nationwide at Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Tutong District, Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Belait District and RPN Kampong Rataie Mosque in Temburong District. The theme for this year was ‘Developing with the Moral Values of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).’