Brunei Darussalam celebrated the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad SAW Tuesday with mass gatherings and processions in all four districts. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was in Bandar Seri Begawan, heading the national rally in honour of the Great Prophet. Thousands gathered in and around the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital to commemorate the auspicious occasion.
Other members of the royal family at the gathering included His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Abdul Azim, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.
The function began with the mass recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz.
The Minister of Religious Affairs in his welcoming address said that the tradition of holding the procession as any other celebrations such as zikir and talks on the Prophet and the teachings by him, has given a real impact towards strengthening the Islamic faith within the Muslim community, and glorifying the Islamic belief in this country.
His Majesty was then introduced to leaders of the participating teams in the procession. Several thousands in 154 teams representing ministries, departments, educational institutions, uniformed organizations and NGOs in the Brunei Muara participated in the mass gathering.
A Dikir Marhaban was presented by the Dikir team from the Ministry of Education.
Prior to the commencement of the procession, Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz. Then, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Hamid led the recitation of Selawat which resounded throughout the Taman.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam led the procession around Bandar Seri Begawan. Joining His Majesty were other members of the royal family. This year’s Maulud Celebration carries the theme ‘Menghayati Islam Dalam Mempertingkatkan Daya Saing Bangsa’ or ‘Understanding Islam To Enhance The Nation’s Competitiveness”.
Prophet Muhammad SAW was and is known as a great leader who was caring, gentle and loving, not only to his followers and friends but also to the followers of other religions and communities, and even towards people who were hostile towards him. It’s also known that many leaders outside Islam, including religious leaders, past and present, acknowledge the greatness of the Prophet, especially his kindness and moderation. There’s a hadith or tradition of the Prophet that specifically advocates Muslim to practice moderation in their deeds and speech. Brunei Darussalam practises moderate kind of Islam, as do the majority of the more than one billion Muslims all over the world.
(12th Apr 2006)
