THE 67 times Khatam Al-Quran held starting earlier this year in conjunction with the 67th birthday celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam culminated at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday afternoon, marking the completion of all 30 Juzuks (Quranic chapters) of the Al-Quran.

This meant 30 Juzuks of the Holy Quran were recited more than a thousand times by the rakyat, symbolising their gift to the beloved monarch.

It was an event held for the third consecutive year aimed as a Doa (prayer) to Allah the Almighty for the continued good health of His Majesty as the Wali Al-Amri (leader) of the nation and to gain blessings from Allah the Almighty for the continued peace and prosperity of the nation and the people under the just and pious leadership of His Majesty.

The event was made more meaningful with His Majesty, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and members of the royal family joining a total of 1,072 participants comprising members of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils, as well as an additional 536 students aged under 12 years old under a scheme they took at their religious schools, at the venue.

By submitting to the Al-Quran as Kitabullah and confiding to the ‘Fadhilat’ (benefits) of reciting the Al-Quran, the event also acts as a Doa to Allah the Almighty to accept and grant the sincere prayers of the rakyat.

The involvement of the under-12-year-old students ensured the event was livelier.

The students comprised 67 male and 67 female participants from every district, chosen from a pool who had completed the 30 Juzuks of the Al-Quran.

As in previous years, the recitation of the Al-Quran until the completion of 30 Juzuks was also participated by 67 male and 67 female youths representing Mukim and Village Consultative Councils from all four districts.

Attended also by state dignitaries, cabinet ministers and VIPs, the ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah following the arrival of Their Majesties. - Borneo Bulletin (18 August 2013)