The 65 times Khatam Al-Quran recitation is very significant as it is specially dedicated to the 65th birthday celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday graced the ceremony held separately at the Istana Nurul Iman. At the female section, the 65 times Khatam Al-Quran recitation was held at the Royal Banquet Hall of the Istana Nurul Iman.

Accompanying Her Majesty were HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Zariah, HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hjh Masna.

Upon arrival, Her Majesty and royal entourage were greeted by Datin Hajah Maimoonah binti Haji Omar, wife of the Minister of Home Affairs and the wives of members of the Executive Committee of the 65 times Khatam Al-Quran recitation ceremony.

The event began with a mass recital of surah al-fatihah led by Datin Hajah Maznah binti Haji Mohammad, the State Mufti's wife.

At the ceremony, a total of 520 female participants comprising 'Wanita Dewasa and Beliawanis' or women and female youth took part in the Khatam Al-Quran. It was followed with recitals of 'Takhtim' and 'Doa Takhtim' led by Pehin Manteri Bini Datin Paduka Dyg Hjh Aminah binti Haji Mohd Yusof and the 65 'Takhtim' readers recited the 'Dikir Marhaban'.

Her Majesty and members of the royal family later received the scented water.

The auspicious ceremony continued with the recital of 'Doa Selamat' read by Datin Hajah Maznah binti Haji Mohammad.

Meanwhile, the male section of the ceremony was held at Baitur Rahmah of the Istana Nurul Iman.

Accompanying HRH the Crown Prince was HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik was greeted by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, as the chairman of the ceremony, and members of the Executive Committee of the 65 time Khatam Al-Quran recitation.

It started with a mass recital of surah al-fatihah led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abd Hamid bin Bakal. A total of 520 participants comprising 'Lelaki Dewasa and Belia' or men and male youth took part in the completion of the 65 time Khatam Al-Quran recitation ceremony.

The ceremony continued with the recital of 'Takhtim' and 'Doa Takhtim' led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Hamidon bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Abdul Hamid and a 'Dikir Marhaban' was recited by 65 participants.

HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik later received the scented water to mark the auspicious ceremony.

The ceremony ended with the reading of 'Doa Selamat' by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

The 65 time of Khatam Al-Quran recitation ceremony was organised by the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils nationwide. The ceremony coincides with the holy month of Sya'aban of 1432 hijrah.

The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony was to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty for His Majesty's good health and blessings to continue the prosperous reign. The Khatam Al-Quran ceremony is one of the new programmes this year held during the celebration of His Majesty's birthday.

A total of 1,040 participants from Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong Districts took part. Each district was represented by 65 men, 65 male youth, 65 women and 65 female youth. The 65 time Khatam Al-Quran recitation ceremony was also aimed at upholding His Majesty's vision in making Brunei Darussalam as a 'Zikir's Nation' and as a manifestation and appreciation of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) concept. - Borneo Bulletin (26th July 2011)