HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night consented to grace the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for the year 1434 Hijrah and to present awards to the winners of various categories at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

His Majesty also consented to deliver a titah at this year’s celebration, which is themed “Al-Quran as the Source of Strength”.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at the ICC by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Major Events in the Islamic Calendar for the year 1434 Hijrah as well as other members of the executive committee and working committees.

The prestigious religious ceremony com-menced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that His Majesty’s call to extend the number of participants who are capable of memorising the Al-Quran has resulted in a positive response, with an increase of participation in competitions, especially those contested in schools.

“There has been substantial interest among the current generation including youths in the field of memorising and understanding the Al-Quran,” said the minister in his welcoming address.

The minister added that the latest competition also provided awareness and motivation amongst all Muslims in the country and in the region on the importance of protecting the authenticity of the Al-Quran through memorisation and understanding as well as recognising the Al-Quran as the source of strength in the highest regard for all Muslims.

Meanwhile, a special lecture that carried the religious event’s theme as its title was presented by Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, the Acting Assistant Ra’es of the Religious Teachers’ University College of Seri Begawan.

The event then proceeded with the announcement of the results for all categories including the MABIMS competition by Awg Mohammad Hashim bin Haji Abdullah in his capacity as the chief judge of the competition.

Dk Nur Fatin Wahidah binti Pengiran Haji Sallehin of Brunei Darussalam fended off competition from regional participants to emerge as the winner of the Memorisation of 10 Juzuks of Al-Quran and its Understanding of Juzuks 6 Category of the MABIMS Al-Quran Memorisation and Understanding Competition.

Muhammad Khairul Razikin bin Razak of Malaysia secured top place in the Memorisation of 30 Juzuks and its Understanding of Juzuks 19 Category, while Brunei’s Ak Khairul Ikhwan bin Pengiran Haji Alit came in second place.

Ak Mohamad Khairul Hakimin bin Pg Mohammad Aminuddin won Category A while Abdul Aziz bin Noor Nasran emerged victorious in Category B.

Ainaa Zahirah binti Abdul Manap secured top place in Category C while Category D was won by Najwa Iman Zahidah binti Haji Aspar.

Muhammad Abu Hurairah bin Ariffin emerged as the winner and received a $4,500 cash prize for his efforts in Category E, which was the main category of the competition.

The event then proceeded with recitations of the Al-Quran by all of the winners, which was followed by a Nasyid presentation from the Royal Customs and Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance.

The event concluded with a Doa Selamat led by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awg Abdul Aziz, the State Mufti.

The religious celebration was co-organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Royal Customs and Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance. - Borneo Bulletin (26 July 2013)