| Lyna Mohamad |
EMPHASISING the greatness of the concept of sacrifice, 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 has called on the citizens and residents of the country to uphold the concept in all aspects of life in this world and in the hereafter.
“We sacrifice for the nation with our wealth, time, hardwork and energy, while we sacrifice for the hereafter through loyalty in performing religious obligations in the name of Allah the Almighty,” the monarch said in a titah in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah celebration which was broadcast on Radio Television Brunei last night.
“Aidiladha is a meaningful celebration for Muslims and has become a Syiar around the world, wherever there are worshippers of Islam, the pure religion of Allah the Almighty.
“This is also the time for Muslims to showcase unity and solidarity, gathering at mosques or open spaces to carry out their Takbir rites in praising Allah the Almighty.
Undoubtedly, this is a very blessed moment when the grace of Allah the Almighty descends on and covers the earth, and those who understand this will be grateful and delighted,” His Majesty said.
The monarch underscored the two big lessons of the celebration, one related to unity and solidarity and the other linked to sacrifice, highlighting that Islam places great importance to oneness and unity and strongly prohibits disunity, as stated by Allah the Almighty in Surah Al-Imran Verse 103 which calls for “holding firmly to the rope of Allah the Almighty together and do not become divided”, the monarch added.
Allah the Almighty forbids us to be divided as the high risk of it can lead to bad consequences, the ruler said, adding that strength is built on unity while weakness is the cause of disintegration.
“Hence, it is regretful to see the current situation where disintegration among Muslims which has reached to a stage of fighting and killings among themselves.”
The monarch expressed hope that this adverse situation will end soon and be replaced with awareness on restoring the unity among the people.
Highlighting the second lesson – sacrifice for Allah the Almighty – His Majesty pointed out that whatever the objective that needs to be achieved, it requires some form of sacrifice as without sacrifice, success will not be realised.
“The nation is also built with sacrifices. The government needs to provide the budget and human resources to make its development efforts succeed.
Highlighting the importance of sacrificing animals, the monarch said, “An animal is an asset which is slaughtered and the meat is distributed as sedekah. We are sacrificing this asset for the welfare of the Ummah.
This, said His Majesty, shows how great the concept of sacrifice. All deeds and activities are based on sacrifice which is sacred and very important in life.
His Majesty also extended his and members of the royal family’s Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to the citizens and residents of the country and prayed for the Brunei Haj pilgrims’ wellbeing and safety as well as wished them a Mabrur Haj.