| Hakim Hayat |
THE practice of reading and understanding the interpretations of Al-Quran should be continuously glorified at all levels in the country to ensure that the future generation, the nation’s assets, are well-equipped with its knowledge and teachings, 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 said in a titah yesterday evening.
The monarch delivered the titah on the occasion of the conclusion of the finals of the 58th National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults 1439 Hijrah at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Also present during 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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
Following three consecutive nights of performances by all 12 finalists of the competition, Haji Muhd Fikri bin Haji Awang Metussin was named champion in the Qari category while Hajah Nurfaezah binti Haji Emran was crowned champion in the Qariah category.
In the titah, His Majesty underscored the importance of continuing the legacy of elevating Al-Quran reading in the country, especially among children and the future generation so that more successors in the future will be able to accomplish better than what we have achieved today. Highlighting the broad access to religious education in schools in the country at different levels, His Majesty urged for enhanced understanding of Al-Quran, especially among undergraduates in higher education institutions.
“In Brunei, we have religious schools where the learning duration is seven years and Al-Quran is the most exalted subject that is being taught since pre-school. We also have Al-Quran translation and interpretation classes in public secondary schools, Arabic schools in all levels and the Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah that teaches the holy book as well as knowledge related to it. In addition, in higher education level, we have Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) for teaching Al-Quran,” His Majesty noted.
In this respect, the monarch said that it is sensible for undergraduates to have an understanding of Al-Quran.
“If these undergraduates from the field of religion and religious teachers have no grasp of Al-Quran, then who else?” His Majesty asked.
The monarch cited that even “orientalists” have good understanding in Al-Quran because they put so much effort into studying it, and urged undergraduates to step up their efforts in Al-Quran learning.
His Majesty also called on the general public to continuously learn Al-Quran based on their respective abilities.
Earlier in the titah, His Majesty touched on the theme of this year’s competition ‘Al-Quran the Source of Just Leadership’ which he said reminisces an illustrious hadith that narrates how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) commended the leadership of one of his ally Mu’az bin Jabal, the Governor in Yemen at that time who made reference to Al-Quran first before handing down a judgement.
Therefore, His Majesty said that the theme this year is fitting, to guide us how to make Al-Quran a source of reference in leadership.
“The meaning of fairness is to put something in its rightful place. The question is have we done this?” His Majesty continued.
The monarch also praised the hosting of the annual National Al-Quran Reading Competition and also other competitions in memorising and interpretation of the holy book which he said reflects the efforts in putting Al-Quran in the right place to be learnt and appreciated.
Concluding the titah, His Majesty urged everyone to take heed of the theme of this year’s competition, hoping to see everyone makes Al-Quran a source of reference for life in this country.
