By Azlan Othman
The Muslim Ummah were warned of the consequences of being too materialistic. In a sermon delivered during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers nationwide, Imams said a life which relies on materialism but is short of faith, spirituality and Allah's laws will not bring about peace and stability. Instead, materialism will bring disaster and regrets as mentioned in the Quran.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joined his subjects in performing the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in the capital on Tuesday. His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Mohd Zain.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
"Being too materialistic will consequently bring losses to Muslims in two ways in this modern world. Firstly, Muslims are dragged to negligence and prone to enjoyable life deliberately set by certain sections who want to dilute their beliefs, good norms and traditions which consequently lead them to act beyond the good conducts that are inherited. Secondly, in order to achieve such materialistic pleasures, it gives rise to modern diseases which are hardly cured," Imams cautioned.
Imams also highlighted living in a nation that has achieved full sovereignty for the past 20 years. The people were urged to nurture high spirits to build the nation sincerely and to continuously serve on the basis of love for the country. The national Malay, Islamic, Monarchy (MIB) concept could not be built effectively into the country's development if such characteristics are lacking.
The Aidilfitri prayers at the mosque in the capital was led by Pehin Dato Iman Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid Bakal while the sermon was delivered by Pehin Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya.
- Borneo Bulletin
(26th October 2006)
