| Lyna Mohamad |
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 in his titah at the National Level Israk Mikraj celebration for 1440 Hijrah expressed the hope for the teachings of Islam to be accorded more prominence in Brunei.
“Among the principles of Islam that should especially stand out is the call of the Azan for prayers,” said His Majesty.
“How pleasing it would be if the Azan could be extended to public areas to announce the times for prayer, apart from mosques, suraus and religious halls – while also establishing that these sites have places for conducting prayers.
“As a Zikir Nation, the provision of facilities for worship at workplaces and at public centres is a significant element of Islam that must be duly emphasised. With these conveniences at hand, Muslims could easily fulfil their prayer obligations anywhere.
“This is also one means of fulfilling our prayer obligations,” His Majesty added.
Defining it as shared responsibility for everyone, the monarch called on relevant parties to take the necessary initiatives towards accomplishing the goal.
His Majesty said, “I would like to point out that Brunei Darussalam is a delightful country that regularly gives priority to the worship of Allah the Almighty, and guided by the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy that was instituted centuries ago.
“This philosophy has been essential for the protection and preservation of the rights of the citizens and residents, regardless of their ethnicity or creed. MIB is a venerable concept that has succeeded in establishing an equitable and blissful nation, with a harmonious society.
“The MIB philosophy has also proved congenial towards the world, to the extent that whoever visits this country would gain a memorable experience in enjoyment of the peaceful and harmonious environment, including the warm hospitality.
“This is the essence of Brunei, an MIB nation. Anything other than that is not Bruneian.”
Earlier, His Majesty noted the religious ceremonies being scheduled for the nationwide observance of Israk Mikraj, saying, “Through this auspicious event, we are able to consider and reflect on Israk Mikraj as a most valuable piece of history and a constant guide for the faithful. Various lessons are derived from it, particularly the most fundamental one of them all, concerning prayer and worship.
“Allah the Almighty has stated in Surah Al-‘Ankabut, Verse 45, that ‘Prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing’. This highlights the great role of prayer in fortifying and sustaining us in rejecting evil. Therefore, those who wish to be safe and secure from wrongdoing must fulfil their prayer obligations. This is an assurance from Allah the Almighty.
“Accordingly, as Muslims, we are called upon to embrace these blessings, whether they may be blessings in this world – and Insya Allah – in the hereafter, in the form of Paradise.”