By Azaraimy HH
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night upheld the importance of trust for everyone in a titah during the finals of the national level Al-Quran reading competition held at the ICC.
His Majesty said that our country truly honours the Al-Quran. And we honour it by learning and reading it.
From the past until the present, we have never neglected the Al-Quran and learning has always been our culture.
In Brunei the path to embrace the Al- Quran is open wide. It exists through educational institutions, mosques or religious halls as well as offices and in the privacy of our homes.
"I have advised government officers and staff to read the Al-Quran before they start any duty or work," said His Majesty. The reason for this said His Majesty is to receive its blessings, which can result in good effort as well as an honorable character.
After all, the Al-Quran is the light and guide that shine towards the right path, the monarch said.
"We must make every effort to obtain the benefits of the Al-Quran," said His Majesty in the titah. Besides reading it we should also understand every word in it. This effort can be implemented by educational institutions as well as by all Ministries or Departments in their very own ways.
"I want this seen as a trust, as everyone's duty and obligation," His Majesty added.
His Majesty said that the issue of trust is a universal issue. That it is not only limited to Muslims but by everyone else no matter what their religions are.
"For us Muslims, it is clear that it is Allah's order," His Majesty pointed out. That is why we are asked to be trustworthy.
Trust is important whether it is in our studies or education, in our work, religious duties, in keeping secrets, maintaining property and many others, said the ruler.
His Majesty also mentioned Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who is well known for his trustfulness until he was called 'Al Amin', a person who is forever right and true.
"Taking trust lightly is the same as taking piety lightly".
His Majesty further said that in a hadis by the prophet, it explained that there is no piety in those who are without trust and no religion in those not keeping promises.
Taking an example from the Al-Quran, His Majesty said that we are warned not to betray the trust of Allah and His messengers, nor knowingly misappropriate things entrusted to us.
That is the Islamic religion and Al-Quran made it obligatory to be trustworthy.
Trust leads to happiness and the love of Allah said His Majesty concluding the titah.
Also present last night were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Azim, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty also consented to present prizes to the winners and participants of the competition.
Champion in this year National Al-Quran Reading Competition, Adult Division, Qari Category (male) was Awg Mohd Fahmie Bin Hj Metusin, 2nd place went to Awg Hj Ismail bin Hj Sulaiman and the third place went to Awg Mohammad Albi bin Hj Ibrahim, the fourth place went to Awg Hj Mohd Aslenan bin Hj Metusin.
In the Qariah Category (female), champion was Dyg Hajah Maidah bte Hj Abd Rahman, second place went to Dyg Siti Huzaimah Yadey bte Hj Rosli, third place went to Dyg Norezah bte Hj Mohd Deli and the fourth place went to Dyg Norfaezah bte Emran.
- Borneo Bulletin
(26th May 2006)
