His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to deliver a titah and presented the 'Imam and Bilal Excellence Awards' to two recipients during the Israk Mikraj celebration for the year 1433H at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty at the religious event was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman in his capacity as the Chairman of the High Level Committee of the Israk Mikraj celebration for the year 1433H, along with other committee members.

In his titah, His Majesty focussed on the theme for this year's celebration - "Prayers Repel Illicitness".

The event commenced with the recitation of al-Quran verses by Ak Adibul Amin bin Pg Hj Marjuki, champion in the Qari category of the National Al-Quran for the Adult Level Competition 1433H/ 2012M, which was held recently this year.

Meanwhile, the significance and the meaning of the verses were delivered by Awg Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Murat, Mosque Affairs Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Following that was a welcoming remark by Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad, where the minister highlighted that the presentation of the Imam and Bilal Excellence Awards to the recipients was in recognition for their excellence, as well as to serve as motivation for imams and bilals to work determinedly to enhance their performances and the quality of their services.

Furthermore, the audience was also presented with a special lecture by Dr Awg Hj Norarfan bin Hj Zainal, Assistant Ra'es of Religious Teachers' University College of Seri Begawan.

The event then proceeded with a "Tausyeh" performance entitled, "Jaddal Hussain", which was performed by youths from Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque, Kampong Tamoi.

The main highlight of the event was the presentation of the Imam and Bilal Excellence Awards by His Majesty to Awg Haji Hassan bin Haji Taha and Mudim Haji Metassim bin Haji Metussin respectively.

The event concluded with a doa selamat by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. - Borneo Bulletin (18 June 2012)