| Azaraimy HH |
THE State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, described the virtues of a righteous and principled ruler in a special lecture titled ‘Pemerintahan Raja Shaleh Membawa Berkat’ (Pious Ruler Brings Blessing) during the official opening of the Knowledge Convention 2017 yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC).
“Anyone can lead a life full of blessings from Allah the Almighty, in particular the prophets, sovereigns, sultans, the ulama (Islamic scholars) and those who are devoutly religious. That is why the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) urged his followers to perform as many good deeds as possible,” said the State Mufti.
He cited the example of the Caliph ‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz, whose reign has been described as free from conflicts and bitter hostilities, by many Islamic scholars, despite having ruled for only a short period of 30 months.
“The Caliph ‘Umar never wavered in his faith to Allah the Almighty. He always fulfilled his religious obligations while performing good acts throughout his life and reign,” said the State Mufti.
He then went on highlighting the reign of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam as a particularly blissful period for Brunei.
“During Al-Marhum’s reign, his compassion paved the way towards righteous authority. For example, senior citizens were treated generously through the provision of the old age allowance,” he said.
“Which ruler in the world would do this? And which economic expert would be courageous enough to commit state finances as an enduring gift or contribution to the country’s senior citizens, while the economy was still in its infancy?”
The State Mufti also extolled 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 as a considerate ruler towards the welfare and needs of the people, while placing Islam at the highest position in the country.
“An example of His Majesty’s virtuous and upright authority was the prohibition of alcohol in this country,” he said.
“Alcohol is the source of many troubles in this world. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption is the cause of 2.5 million deaths every year, with 320,000 of the fatalities occurring in those from 15 to 29 years.
“Blessings cannot be bought and they come about unseen, such as the effects of one good deed, which is repaid with 10 beneficial attainments.
“Whatever has already taken place, or is currently happening in Brunei Darussalam, are all of historic significance for the ruler and his legacy, since the ruler is the cause behind it all. The country owes its lasting prosperity, peace and stability to the good deeds of its ruler,” said the State Mufti, concluding the special lecture.
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