| Aziz Idris |
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 emphasised that Al-Quran literacy should be part of the Bruneian culture, while also seeking divine grace (Tabarruk) from it as a source of healing and a mercy for the faithful.
The monarch said this in a titah delivered at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas which was broadcast to the nation on television and radio last night, to mark this year’s National Nuzul Al-Quran celebrations.
His Majesty noted that Al-Quran learning had long been established in Brunei before the introduction of a formal learning system in religious schools, as well as in lower to higher-level educational institutions.
The monarch also said that Al-Quran recitations have become a daily practice among officers and staff of government ministries and departments, before conducting their respective duties.
However, His Majesty was quick to point out that people are less likely to read the Al-Quran these days, compared to other non-religious texts.
“Since Al-Quran scripture is written and recited in Arabic, learning it requires great patience and perseverance. That is the reason why people prefer to read other books instead of passages from the Al-Quran,” said the monarch.
In view of this, His Majesty’s Government is continuously seeking to promote Al-Quran literacy from lower to higher levels, while organising a number of motivational programmes for the reading and memorising of the Al-Quran.
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 delivering the titah. – AZROL AZMI
“We do not wish to see the Al-Quran and religion neglected, while other areas do well in comparison,” said the monarch.
His Majesty continued to highlight the importance of Al-Quran teachings. “This should not happen in Brunei. Religious education and the Al-Quran should not be taken lightly. It should always be there at the forefront, in line with its status as the Religion and Word of Allah the Almighty.”
The monarch, therefore, called on all relevant authorities, administrators and policymakers to adopt an open outlook on the matter, as well as an exemplary Islamic character.
His Majesty also urged religious authorities to practise more discretion when dealing source material or observations on religion, since they could be inappropriate or incompatible with basic teachings. “We should be consistent to act and think in a professional manner,” he said.
The importance of emphasising Nuzul Al-Quran as a historic event was mentioned earlier in the titah, when His Majesty reminded Muslims in the country not to overlook the significance of the occasion, as well as other major events in the Islamic calendar.
The monarch concluded the titah by congratulating all participants who excelled in the Al-Quran memorising and understanding competitions on a national level and among member countries of Religious Ministers of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore (MABIMS).
The post Make Al-Quran part of Brunei culture: Sultan appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.