| Hakim Hayat |
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 joined thousands of people from all walks of life in a mass gathering and procession to mark Maulidur Rasul or the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the capital yesterday morning.
Themed ‘Berwawasan Yang Berkat Dengan Bercontoh Kepada Rasulullah SAW’ for the year 1438 Hijrah, the annual gathering, held every 12th of Rabiulawal in the Muslim calendar is a significant and historic date for the Islamic community worldwide in remembrance and in glorifying the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.
Some 12,207 people from 129 teams comprising those from different organisations took part in the national-level gathering and procession for the Brunei-Muara District held at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday, while similar events were also held simultaneously in other districts.
The objective of the celebration was not only to encourage the community to remember the sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but also to take heed of his life of success in creating a civilisation through peace for the universe under the wings of Islam.
The event commenced with a mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
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, during the mass gathering and procession for the Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
His Majesty; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel during the mass procession. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
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; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel arriving for the mass gathering.
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, in a group photo with some of those that took part in the mass gathering for the Maulidur Rasul Celebration.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in his capacity as this year’s Chairman of the Executive Committee for Major Events in the Islamic Calendar in his welcoming speech said that the event has been a religious tradition in the country that symbolises the unity among the people, especially among Muslims.
“It is crucial to maintain the spirit of unity to demonstrate and sustain our harmony, peace and prosperity in this country,” the minister highlighted.
The theme for this year’s celebration, the minister said, was chosen in part to contribute in the way we think, take action and attempt our endeavour in achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
He said that although the Vision 2035 aspires for rapid development of the country and also high standard and quality of living for its people, it must also be under Allah the Almighty’s blessings.
He reminded that efforts towards achieving this vision should not just merely exist by being proud of our achievements, but it must also be in line with Islamic teachings from Allah the Almighty and His messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Before leading the 3.7km procession around the capital, His Majesty received greetings from each leader of participating teams comprising those from government ministries and departments, associations and the private sector, villages and mosques, higher education institutions and schools, among others.
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman delivering his welcoming speech.
Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
ABOVE & BELOW: Some of the participants of the mass procession.
Among those who took part in the mass procession. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
The Dikir Marhaban was performed by the Dikir group from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) with the support from staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) while 21 shots of cannon were fired to mark the occasion.
A Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti to seek blessings for the event and Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal led the recitation of the Selawat that resonated throughout the procession to mark its commencement.
Meanwhile, the event yesterday also saw teams from four categories contending to be the best performing teams. They will be evaluated on participation, procession, attire, Selawat and slogans.
The winners will be announced at a later date.
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