HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday led more than 17,000 people in a procession in the heart of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, to mark the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, as well as other high-level committee members of the Maulud celebrations for the year 1434 Hijrah.

Soon after, the national event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

In accordance with Maulidur Rasul celebrations in previous years, His Majesty also received a “junjung ziarah” from numerous team leaders who took part in the procession.

The event proceeded with a presentation of Dikir Marhaban by a dikir group from the Ministry of Finance. Following the “Ya Habibi” recitation, 21 cannon shots were fired to mark the occasion.

Prior to the start of the procession, a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty.

Some 140 teams took part in the 4.3-kilometre Maulud walk, which began and ended at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

Among those who took part in the religious processions were representatives from ministries, govern-ment departments, higher learning institutions, associations, mukim groups, Village Consultative Councils, Takmir mosque committees as well as the private sector.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Rasulullah Teladan Sepanjang Zaman” (loosely translated as ‘Prophet Muhammad, Role Model of All Time’).

Similar processions were also held in other districts. - Borneo Bulletin (25 January 2013)