HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office urged the Muslim community to familiarise themselves with and continue the practise reading the Holy Quran and added that Muslims should strive to refine their reading, memorising skills and embrace the teachings contained in the Quran.

HRH delivered a sabda at the opening of the Final Stage of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for the Adults for the year 1434 Hijrah at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas last night.

Also present were HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family as well as Cabinet Ministers and other distinguished guests.

HRH also called for those who cannot read or are not fluent with al-Quran to step up their efforts in learning it. “The practice of reading the Quran is a form of worship. Every character and verse read will be rewarded accordingly,” he added.

The learning of the Quran, HRH said, is a lifelong practice and is not limited to certain times or occasions. “In other words, there is no limitation to learning the Quran.”

The Crown Prince added that excuses such as ageing, diminishing reading skills, busy lifestyle and others are complacent attitudes that should not hinder and become an obstacle for Muslims in reading the Quran.

Earlier in the sabda, HRH said the Sultanate is blessed to have the opportunity to organise the annual al-Quran reading competitions.

“Not only do we have the chance to listen to the greatness and beauty of al-Quran reading but ultimately we can spread and glorify Islam’s teachings. This is a huge blessing Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us in this country,” HRH said.

The Quran, HRH said, is the most regal miracle bestowed by Allah the Almighty to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself where its contents encompass all knowledge of the universe and the hereafter. “Its order has never changed, altered or erased although there were many unsuccessful efforts to amend, distort or undermine it by the enemies of Islam,” HRH said.

HRH said he is thankful that in the Public Sector in the country, every Muslim officer and staff is encouraged to read the Quran prior to commencing their work. “This is the essence of the titah from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration in 1412 Hijrah,” he added.

The Crown Prince said this effort in the Public Sector should be stepped up and widened so that it will become a culture among government officers and staff. “His Majesty’s vision here is clear that with the Quran’s blessing, any task or services by government officers and staff for the country will always be guided by Allah the Almighty.”

HRH also quoted a titah by His Majesty during the National Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration in 1430 Hijrah when the monarch stressed the need for a robust religious education. “It is fundamental to be a nation that is al-Quran and religious savvy, without the worry of having anyone left out,” he added.

His Majesty’s determination is also proven by the formulation of the Compulsory Religious Education Order 2012, HRH said, where with this order, “we can ensure that all Muslim children in the Sultanate receive basic religious education and are not left out. At the same time, we hope that there will be no more Muslims who cannot perform prayers and read the Quran”, he added.

“By upholding the Quran and making it as a holistic guide for progress in our lives, Insya Allah, we can generate devout Muslims, families, communities and a country that is faithful to Allah the Almighty,” HRH the Crown Prince said.

Touching on the theme of the competition this year, “Al-Quran, Light for the World and Hereafter”, HRH said it is fitting because al-Quran reading practice will make our nation resonate with the Quran. “A country that resonates with the Quran, Insya Allah, will always be illuminated with the light of guidance and attain blessings from Allah the Almighty,” he said.

In closing his sabda, HRH urged Muslims in the country to grab the golden opportunity to increase their reward and blessings from reading the Quran for a harmonious life now and the hereafter. - Borneo Bulletin (17 April 2013)