HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ushered the first day of Syawal on Friday with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayer at the ‘Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kiarong.

His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji ‘Abdul Azim, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Thousands of people had also gathered to join the monarch and the royal family.

The congregation recited the ‘Takbir Raya’ before performing the Aidilfitri prayer.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Committee for major Islamic calendar events, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, as well as other committee members.

The Sunnat Raya prayer was led by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, while the sermon was delivered by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya bin Hj Ibrahim.

His Majesty later exchanged greetings with the congregants. - Borneo Bulletin (11 August 2013)