| Azlan Othman |
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 called on the need to take action against those who spread distorted views on Islamic practices.
Delivering a titah at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Convention 2017 to mark the monarch’s 71st birthday, His Majesty said appropriate measures should be initiated against those who repudiate the Tahlil practice, reject the practice of paying respects to the deceased at cemetery and question Maulidur Rasul (birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad) (pbuh) as well as the recitation of Al-Quran before commencement of work and so on, on the ground that these were not established by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
“The world is full of challenges and among those that regularly hit us are challenges in practising religion,” His Majesty said.
“And these issues come and go as if there is no end to it. The masterminds who create these challenges intend to divide opinion by denouncing the Tahlil practice, rejecting the practice of paying respects to the deceased at cemetery and questioning Maulidur Rasul as well as the recitation of Al-Quran before starting work and so on.
“They do not want to hear any explanation from scholars and stick on to their opinions and stance. We should not allow this to continue,” said His Majesty.
“Though we work hard in various ways – through propagation and advice – it still happens, perpetrated by a side which is stubborn in its opinions.
“In my opinion, it is better to handle this matter through law – by providing provisions under the relevant act to block such contorted opinions calling for rejecting Tahlil and questioning Maulidur Rasul, paying respect to the departed as well as reading Al-Quran before starting work.
“Only through this way, all Di’ayah (propaganda to persuade people) that destroys the harmony of living religiously in this country can be effectively blocked,” His Majesty said in the titah.
“We cannot afford to let anyone carry out or import any teachings that could disintegrate Muslims in the country. This is our determined stance which cannot be compromised at all. We will stay with our stand.
“The faith that we hold is based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah and no one is above it. It has been stipulated in our constitution as our ultimate foundation,” the monarch said.
In the titah, His Majesty was pleased to note that the Knowledge Convention this year is held when the country is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the monarch’s Accession to the Throne.
“This year, it (Knowledge Convention) carries the theme, ‘Expressing Thankfulness Especially in Religious Service during His Majesty’s 50-Year Reign’. I am also made to understand that a special talk titled ‘Pious Ruler Brings Blessing’ was also delivered (during the convention).
“Undoubtedly, this ceremony will address the quest to find the right interpretation of who the king is and the role and effect of the king’s actions. All these will become the task of experts to give an authentic perspective. This task is not light and it requires scholars who are really experts and trustworthy.”
Speaking about leadership, the monarch said, “It is related to knowledge, without which leadership could become unbalanced.
“Why is that so? Is it not knowledge a source of enlightenment? Try to imagine we walk in the dark without light. Hence, I am pleased with this Knowledge Convention as it is held annually to mark my birthday,” His Majesty added.
Also present at the opening ceremony yesterday were Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna,
Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar.
The event also saw a special talk by the State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned titled ‘Pious Ruler Brings Blessing’.
This was followed by a pledge-taking ceremony by 71 individuals comprising civil servants, grassroots leaders, associations, members of non-governmental organisations and students from higher education institutions who pledged their unwavering loyalty towards His Majesty and expressed their gratitude for the peace and harmony under the reign of their beloved monarch.
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