| Hakim Hayat |
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 that the Hijrah was a significant event in terms of bringing about solidarity and cohesion among Muslims.
Addressing the nation from the Istana Nurul Iman, on the occasion of the new Islamic year of 1440 Hijrah which falls today, His Majesty touched on the constructive lessons gained from learning history.
“Without history, we would be unable to trace the progress of Islam and its adherents. The command given by Allah the Almighty for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to migrate was a blessing in disguise, in order to save Islam and its followers,” stated the monarch in the titah which was broadcast nationwide on Radio Television Brunei (RTB), yesterday evening.
The monarch then highlighted the relevance of history as a ‘reflection of life’ that contributes to a better understanding of nations and societies.
“In the accounts of the Hijrah, we saw Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the roles of apostle and leader, with Sayyidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq as his close confidant and loyal supporter.
“Both adhered to the principle of ‘to do all things for the glory of Allah the Almighty’, which ultimately led to the safe deliverance of the Prophet and his faithful followers.
“We saw how their perseverance under such pressing circumstances was ultimately rewarded with success and deliverance by Allah the Almighty,” His Majesty further added.
“I am conviced that if we, as followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), are willing to learn from the lessons of the Hijrah, then it would be possible for us to attain the lost honour and glory of the Ummah. But only on the condition that the leaders are able to emulate the leadership qualities of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), while their followers take the example of Sayyidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq.”
His Majesty then cited Verse 249 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah the Almighty”, while saying that Muslims would triumph in this world and in the hereafter if they remained on the right path in terms of their leadership, governance and causes.
“So, before it is too late, we as the followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) need to reflect on our actual stance. What is our position? Where do we stand on domestic and global issues?
“Fundamentally, everyone desires peace, prosperity and security, but there are certain parties who are indifferent to the oppression of their fellow Muslims which inevitably results in the loss of lives and property.
“This is happening today, where injustice threatens our world, including Muslim nations. If justice is not honoured, then tyranny will take its place and this is not acceptable in Islam,” said His Majesty, while highlighting that Islam forbids all forms of tyranny and condemns those who commit them.
His Majesty then added that Muslims in general must turn to the history of the Hijrah as embodied by the religious brotherhood among the Muhajirin in Makkah and the Ansar in Madinah: “The blessings from Allah the Almighty were bestowed upon the Muslims of that period, leading to a peaceful and harmonious conformity which could not be broken by the opponents of Islam.”
In concluding the titah, His Majesty extended his well wishes for the new Islamic year. “My family and I convey our wishes for the new Islamic year of 1440 Hijrah. May this year bring blessings and peace from Allah the Almighty to the people and the nation,” said the monarch.