By Lyna Mohamad
Religious education is key to safeguarding the nation from devious teachings, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said in his Hari Raya 'Aidil Adha' titah at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
It is to ensure that our soul is always akin to Islam or in other words always hold strong to our 'Aqidah' or beliefs. Touching on Aqidah, it is always related to the teachings. If the teaching is on the right path, then it is said that the Aqidah is right but if it is wrong, then the Aqidah is seen to be wrong and devious.
It is thus from here that devious teachings arise, His Majesty pointed out, and expressed his gratefulness that the nation shows no signs of the devious teachings "virus", adding that if this is so, it is an advantage to us all.
But we should not take it for granted and must stay alert for this "virus". The monarch highlighted that it was only recently that we read and heard of a devious teaching that was prohibited but is being re-established again.
In this regard, His Majesty reminded that Brunei's borders should be monitored to ensure that this dangerous "virus" does not penetrate the country.
For the nation to be impervious to devious teachings, His Majesty noted that it needed effective efforts, which include disseminating preachings, religious sermons, talks and writings that should be improved to provide a better religious understanding.
"Insya Allah, with such continuous efforts, it will save us and the nation from any unwanted Aqidah elements," His Majesty highlights.
The monarch also highlighted the many days and events in the Islamic calendar that Muslims celebrate.
These events have their own names and credibility such as Hari Raya 'Aidil Adha, which the nation is celebrating today, New Year Hijrah, Isra' and Me'raj and so forth and all these events in the Islamic calendar contains learning value" he said.
In conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration, His Majesty extends his prayers particularly to the Brunei haj pilgrims, who are currently carrying out the pinnacle of their religious obligations in the holy city of
Mecca, that they will be always blessed by Allah the Almighty.
His Majesty also extends, and also on behalf of the royal family, a Hari Raya 'Aidil Adha wish to all his Muslim subjects and citizens and prays for the safety, protection and blessing of Allah the Almighty for everyone.
- Borneo Bulletin
(31st December 2006)
