Thousands attend thanksgiving prayers
By Amin Hosni and Azrol Azmi

Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's accession to the throne.

To commemorate the special occasion, a Thanksgiving Ceremony and Doa Selamat took place at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Kiulap, which was the focal point of the commemoration. The event was held prior to the weekly Jumaat prayers.

Thousands of people attended the ceremony, which began with the recital of Surah Al-Kahfi, followed by special mass Hajat prayers and Doa Selamat and Thanksgiving for the 40th anniversary of His Majesty's accession.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Home Affairs, and Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II, who are the Joint Chairmen of the Committee of Thanksgiving Ceremony and Doa Selamat in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to throne, as well as the committee members and senior government officers.

The event, which began with the recital of Surah Al-Kahfi, was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, Deputy State Mufti.

Meanwhile, the special Hajat prayers were led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Awang Besar, Syariah High Courts Judge, while the special Thanks-giving Doa was read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abd Hamid bin Bakal.

The Azan for the Jumaat prayers was performed by Mudim Haji Abdul Latif bin Haji Saman, while Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim delivered the Friday sermon and led the Friday prayers.

Those who attended the ceremony at Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque also received gifts in the form of Al-Quran from His Majesty.

The Thanksgiving Ceremony and Doa Selamat also took place at mosques, suraus and religious halls in all four districts.

The event was held to show the appreciation of the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam to Allah SWT and His Majesty who is truly loved during the four decades he has ruled, nurtured and developed the nation. - Borneo Bulletin (6th Oct 2007)


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