MORE than 5,300 students and youths took part in the 67 times Khatam Al-Quran held simultaneously nationwide yesterday, in conjunction with the 67th birthday celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

In the Brunei-Muara District, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik joined over 2,300 male youths including uniformed personnel in the event held at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

HRH was greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong; the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman and the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof.

Also taking part in the ceremony yesterday was His Majesty’s grandson, YAM Pengiran Anak ‘Abdul Raqiib bin Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim.

The ‘Doa Khatam’ was read by a student from Al-Falaah School, Abd Aziz bin Haji Nornasran.

Meanwhile, the Doa Selamat was led by the Imam of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murad.

HRH also participated in the mass Zuhur prayer before leaving the mosque where thousands of youths greeted him upon leaving.

The 67 times Khatam Al-Quran reading initiative at the government and private education institutions level this year was jointly organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

According to a press release from the MoE, the event was aimed at instilling a culture of reading, learning and appreciating Al-Quran and in practising its teachings as well as in praying to Allah the Almighty for His Majesty’s good health, long reign and the country’s protection.

Also present at the event yesterday was YB Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, a Legislative Council member, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries, heads of department, and senior officers as well as officers from the MoE and MCYS. - Borneo Bulletin (19 July 2013)