WITH the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) leading the way and Islam being the cement that continues to hold the fabric of the community together, those responsible to uphold this national strength have been called upon to remain vigilant in their duties in ensuring that the prophet’s religion continues to be spread.

In a titah yesterday in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam stressed the need for relevant agencies and government institutions “to filter or review the entry of unwanted elements”.

Apart from fortifying and enhancing religious education in the country, His Majesty called for careful selection of non-local human resources, particularly in the Islamic field of teaching and academia, who are brought in to educate the current generation.

“Not only should we look at their qualifications and experiences, but we should also ascertain their beliefs,” said His Majesty adding that if proper background checks are not conducted there is a possibility of a deviation from the Ahli Sunnah Waljama’ah practice that could be taught to the country’s children.

“Wouldn’t this invite a calamity?” asked His Majesty.

With this year’s Aidiladha titah focusing on faith and creed, His Majesty underscored the need for measures to be put in place to strengthen these two components, more so in a world that is showing evidence of change in religious attitudes.

“Faith or Iman is not insignificant but rather it is exalted as it determines between heaven and hell. Therefore, we should be firm and steadfast in our faith and not take it lightly.”

As His Majesty aired his concerns over a number of occurrences that has taken place around the world including those that defy the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Waljama’ah and individuals who have mocked the prophet and Allah the Almighty, the monarch added, “We should be cautious especially considering that such tendencies are akin to ‘communicable diseases’.

“If we do not take necessary steps to prevent it, it is not impossible that we too will also be infected,” said His Majesty.

As Muslims, His Majesty said, it is a must for the followers of Ahli Sunnah Waljama’ah “to preserve” their belief and avoid desecrating the faith by keeping at arm’s length the negativities that could compromise the religion.

And in tandem with having this discipline, His Majesty also reminded that, “The acceptance of our faith by Allah the Almighty is sourced from the accuracy of our belief, which determines our position next to Allah the Almighty,” and then cited a Hadith delivered by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which explains that only Ahli Sunnah Waljama’ah out of 73 other groups will be given the opportunity to enter heaven.

“Brunei is no longer in doubt as it is already familiar with Ahli Sunnah Waljama’ah,” and with this belief that has been passed down by generations, “we have found peace and stability. The people are seen as being very comfortable, united and uniform in worship and have never clashed because of religion.”

With the uniqueness that comes with this form of calm, His Majesty reiterated the necessity to defend this way of life and to hand it over to the next generation.

In ending the titah, His Majesty wished Muslims in Brunei Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha. - Borneo Bulletin (16 October 2013)