His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday performed the inaugural Friday prayers at the new Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival by Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs.

His Majesty consented to sign on the commemorative plaque, upon which three calls of 'Allahu Akbar' were made by congregants at the mosque, led by the Minister of Religious Affairs.

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The Friday sermon was delivered by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, who touched on the 'takwa' (piousness) of Muslims and how His Majesty shows his care for his people and the nation.

Prayers were led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

At the end of the mass Friday prayers, the congregants lined up to greet His Majesty, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The new mosque, which cost $3,577,667.84 to build, was part of the National Development Plan 2007-2012. It can accommodate up to 1,600 congregants. Construction began on January 10, 2011, and was completed on July 9 this year.

The mosque was designed with a traditional contemporary concept that represents the combination of Islamic and Malay traditional architecture with the usage of geometric design. The motif of the dome of the new mosque in Kampong Mulaut was made possible by mosaic tiles flown in from Italy.

Water fountains are placed at the front right and left of the building, which symbolises purity and serenity. Upon entering the mosque, the foyer gives a sense of serenity to the congregants.

The glass roof is use to let in more sunlight. The use of sunshade made from wood aims to reduce the heat and excessive light into the building.

The wind barrier (screen) is designed based on the Islamic Geometric Pattern and made from solid concrete whose function is to block excessive sunlight into the building.

Among the facilities available are separate prayer halls for men and women, mosque officer's room, VIP room, library and IT room, lecture room, a room for funerary rites and segregated ablution areas as well as toilets for men and women. - Borneo Bulletin (4 August 2012)