By Azlan Othman
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined around 25,000 Muslims from 154 teams on a 4.3-kilometre procession around the capital to mark Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) birthday anniversary.
Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Azim, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by Pehin Dato Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Mohd Zain, Minister of Religious Affairs, as well as executive committee members for major Islamic calendar of event 1427 Hijrah.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti followed by a speech by Pehin Dato Hj Awg Mohd Zain, as the Chairman of the executive committee.
The minister said the tradition to hold this gathering and others, like Dikir and religious talks on Prophet Muhammad and teachings delivered by him, have helped strengthen the belief of Muslims and glorify the Islamic teachings in the country.
Teachings delivered by the Prophet based on al-Quran and al-Sunnah have showered blessings on Brunei for generations. During the reign of His Majesty, the impact of such teachings has been obvious as Bruneians are known to have strong religious faith under the wise leadership of His Majesty.
As in the previous years, prior to the procession, His Majesty exchanged greetings with team leaders followed by the recitation of Marhaban by Dikir troupes from the government ministry. A 21-cannon blast followed. To bless the ceremony, a 'doa selamat' was read by the State Mufti.
The teams comprised officials from government ministries, institutions of higher learning, schools, uniformed personnel and members from the private sector. This year's gathering carries the theme "Assimilating Islam to Enhance the Competitiveness of the Nation".
Similar processions were held simultaneously in the other three districts. It was held at Padang Kecil Bandaran in Belait District, Muda Hashim field in Tutong and the empty space at the Community hall in Temburong.
- Borneo Bulletin
(12th Apr 2006)
