| 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 highlighted in a titah last night on the significance of youths’ contributions to development, while also reminding that noble spiritual values derived from Al-Quran must also be established within them, along with other accomplishments.
The titah was delivered during the final night of the 8th Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Also present with His Majesty at the event 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 ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Ahmad Zulwaqar bin Suhaili from Brunei was the champion in the Qari category, while Dayangku Amal Zahirah binti Pengiran Haji Jofri, also from Brunei, was named the winner in the Qariah category, following three nights of Al-Quran recitations which saw 21 participants from across the region competing for the coveted top title in the biennial
competition.
Describing the young generation as ‘Asean’s largest resource’, His Majesty said that with their numbers reaching 211 million, this should render them capable of steering national development in their respective countries.
“Harnessing their capabilities successfully will help to augment national strength and resilience,” said the monarch.
His Majesty stated that among his aspirations for the Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition was to see Asean youths armed with noble values in harmony with the teachings of Al-Quran, since all Muslims are required to adhere to these values.
His Majesty emphasised the importance of education among the youths, as stipulated in the National Youth Policy: “Education is the foundation of development, because without it, development may not be possible. This is very important for our youths.”
The monarch saw the competition as a step towards promoting healthy social activities and interaction among the youths, as well as a concerted effort among governments across the region to develop the young generation.
“The meeting of youths in this competition is capable of enhancing the network of regional interaction among the youth community. It can also contribute to the solidarity of the Ummah (community) in a holistic way,” said His Majesty.
His Majesty also encouraged the youths of today to be tech-savvy and possess technical and vocational skills, in addition to basic entrepreneurial knowledge, in line with national development needs.
The monarch then called for more youth participation in volunteer organisations or activities to cultivate a healthy, active and dynamic lifestyle.
“This practice can inevitably generate quality leaders,” said His Majesty, adding that quality is not merely confined to corporeal matters, but should also extend to include thought, attitude and abilities.
“From this concept, evaluations can be made to determine their quality, whether good or otherwise, although we are convinced that they are truly of good quality and will emerge as the treasured hope of the nation,” said the monarch.
“Islam wants its followers to be of good quality and enriched with noble values; and it is only through these values that admirable traits such as religious devotion, loyalty to the Ulil Amri (leaders), trustworthiness, sincerity and courtesy can be produced.
“May Allah the Almighty bestow upon the youths and all of us with these noble values,” said His Majesty, concluding the titah.
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