| Abdul Hakiim Yakof & Daniel Lim |
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 joined hundreds of congregants yesterday evening at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony to mark the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebration.
Also in attendance 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 ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival at the mosque, His Majesty and the royal family members were greeted by members of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Celebrations as well as members of the public.
The royal entourage later joined congregants in performing mass Maghrib prayer, led by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, which was followed by a Sunnat Hajat prayer.
The ceremony continued with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil for the late parents of His Majesty, led by Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
The Doa Kesyukuran was read by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, followed by mass Isyak prayer.
Doa Kesyukuran were also held simultaneously in main mosques in all four districts yesterday night.
In the Belait District, the ceremony was held at the Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque and saw the presence of Acting Belait District Officer Haji Md Zamree bin Haji Junaidi.
Also present during the event were members of the Executive Committee, heads of various government departments, principals of government secondary schools and private colleges, members of various mukim and village consultative councils, staff of various private companies in the district as well as members of the Mosque Takmir committee.
The ceremony started with the mass Maghrib prayers, followed by the recitation of Surah Yassiin and Tahlil, all led by Mosque Affair Officer of Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque Akup bin Haji Lamat.
The reading of Doa Kesyukuran, led by Head Religious Officer for the Belait District Haji Asminan bin Haji Chuchu, concluded the ceremony.
Similar ceremonies were also conducted at the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque and Pekan Seria Mosque.