HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend the first Friday prayer at the new $3.2-million Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kg Sungai Akar, which is the 115th mosque in the Sultanate. The mosque was officiated to mark His Majesty’s 67th birthday.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel. His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses were greeted upon arrival by Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and other officials from the ministry.

Shortly after His Majesty’s arrival, the monarch consented to sign a plaque and soon after, the minister led the calling out three times of ‘Allahu Akbar’.

The inaugural Friday sermon at the new mosque was delivered by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya bin Hj Ibrahim, while prayers were led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

During the sermon, the Imam said that mosques are a symbol of Islamic civilisation and shows the strength of Islam in the Sultanate.

“As Muslims, we are responsible for glorifying mosques by frequenting them and attending religious functions. (And by doing so, this would help) make our society a faithful and pious one. Furthermore, we will be able to gain multiple rewards and blessings from Allah the Almighty in the present, as well as the days of the hereafter,” said the Imam.

Construction of the mosque began in March 2011 and was completed this year under the 2007-2012 National Development Plan.

The mosque, which can accommodate around 1,000 worshippers, has among other things, prayer halls for males and females, a VIP room, library, IT room, lecture hall, storeroom, mortuary room, kitchen, as well as separate ablution for male and female worshippers. - Borneo Bulletin (20 July 2013)