| Azlan Othman |
THE grand assembly and procession for Maulidur Rasul 1440 Hijrah witnessed the participation of 126 teams and 13,008 participants, including uniformed personnel.
The Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital was the main focus of yesterday’s celebrations, themed Tarbiyah Rasulullah Membawa Rahmat Dalam Berkeluarga (Lessons from the Messenger of Allah the Almighty), with similar assemblies held in the other districts.
The annual event was graced by the presence of 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.
Also present 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 Sufri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Executive Committee for Major Islamic Events of 1440 Hijrah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.
Also present to greet the monarch were Syariah Court of Appeal Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, as members of the Executive Committee for Major Islamic Events of 1440 Hijrah.
The proceedings began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned followed with a speech by the Minister of Religious Affairs.
In his speech, the minister said, “Every year, on the 12th of Rabiulawal, the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to show our love and respect, for many good reasons.
“Among those reasons are to spread the principles of Islam and to promote more understanding of the teachings delivered by the Prophet. These teachings encapsulate Islamic law, faith and virtues that influence our way of life in this country and subsequently in shaping the government and the nation.”
He added, “In general, the assembly creates a spirit of unity among people from all levels of society and all levels of government leadership.
“Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) set a noble example in building a family life and accordingly, we chose the theme, Tarbiyah Rasulullah Membawa Rahmat dalam Berkeluarga.
“The theme is appropriate, since the role of the Prophet was important, as an outstanding and exceptional educator who received instructions from Allah the Almighty through the revelations.
“Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a glorious example in all aspects of life, and the Muslim Ummah should follow the Prophet’s (pbuh) Tarbiyah (method of education), in order for us to become a great community in attaining the successes of this world and in the hereafter.”
Prior to the start of the procession, His Majesty received greetings from the team leaders, which was then followed with a recitation of the Dikir Marhaban by officers from the Ministry of Education and 21 cannon blasts.
The officers also recited the Sayyidul Istighfar, after which a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti.
A Selawat (prayer of peace for the Prophet) was then recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.
This year, the participants covered a new route of 2.3 kilometres along Jalan Elizabeth 2, Jalan Stoney, Jalan Pehin Dato Isa, Jalan Tasek, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan McArthur and Jalan Sultan.
Throughout the procession route, complimentary food and drink were available for the participants, thanks to the contributions of several associations, schools and private individuals.
The contingents also took part in a competition divided into four categories: educational institutions; government ministries and departments; associations, non-governmental organisations and private sectors; and village consultative councils and mosque Takmir Committee.