| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
THE Aidiladha sermon enjoins Bruneians to practise tolerance, understanding and racial unity.
Islam teaches that all human beings are equal, but Taqwa (righteousness) is the sole criteria of human dignity.
This was highlighted yesterday by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman while delivering the first sermon at the mass Sunnat Aidiladha prayer, at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.
“The main principle of Taqwa is to obey Allah the Almightyin doing what has been commanded and avoiding what has been forbidden,” he said.
“While accepting racial and ethnic differences, mankind has to make the conscious effort of getting to know one another and appreciating cultural diversity as a divine plan (Sunnatullah) of Allah the Almighty.
“In brief, the concept of Taqwa prevents racial divisions and animosity, which in turn leads to cruelty and intrusion upon each other’s rights.
“Alhamdulillah, this concept of Taqwa in refusing to interfere in the affairs of other countries was declared by 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, to be our policy and methods as a sovereign and independent nation, after the country regained its international responsibility on January 1, 1984.”
Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman delivering the Aidiladha sermon. – AZROL AZMI
He continued to say that Taqwa should be practised by being united through Islamic values, social harmony and kindness, as well as being united in loyalty to both ruler and country.
In the second sermon, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin described His Majesty as an exemplary ruler who observes religious practices.
He also announced that the annual Korban ceremony and celebrations for this year’s Hari Raya Aidiladha would be held at the Istana Nurul Iman.
“There is no doubt that the new arrangement of the Korban ceremony and Aidiladha celebrations at the Istana Nurul Iman, is an example of our ruler placing importance on religious observations in line with Bruneian customs and traditions.”
He concluded by saying that this was a manifestation of gratitude to Allah the Almighty for bestowing peace upon Brunei, with mutual support between the monarch and the people.
“As a result, our country has been blessed with better standards of living through various initiatives and welfare programmes, particularly in terms of education and healthcare, for the wellbeing and prosperity of the people.”
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