HER Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday consented to attend a Special Women’s Gathering in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration of 1434 Hijrah at the Jerudong Park Ampitheatre.

Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

Upon arrival, Her Majesty and the royal entourage were welcomed by the Chairpersons of the Special Women’s Gathering from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, the Brunei Darussalam Women’s Council as well as other committee members.

The event began with a recitation of verses from the Al-Quran by Dayang Hajah Aminah binti Haji Abdul Manap, the champion of the 2002 International Tilawah Al-Quran Reading Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia while Dayang Rosnita binti Haji Shamsuddin, a Syariah Legal Officer from the Islamic Legal Unit at the Ministry of Religious Affairs read the summary of the meanings.

“The involvement of women in the nation’s development is no longer disputed as they play a vital role in generating positive growth for the country whether in the government or private sector. Women today compete in obtaining various knowledge and skills fitting to their roles as the core and guide of the nation and community,” said the Chairperson of the Special Women’s Gathering Dr Hajah Masnon binti Haji Ibrahim, the Ra’es of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan.

She emphasised that harmony, joy and prosperity based on the existing Islamic Law is the most important aspect in moulding a happy family life. These are also highlighted in accordance with the theme ‘Wanita Solehah Keluarga Bahagia’ (A Pious Woman creates a Happy Family).

To further enliven the event, a special lecture was presented by Datin Dr Dayang Hajah Sa’adiah binti Datu Derma Wijaya Haji Tamit, a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Brunei Studies and Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Centre of Islamic Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The announcement of the Women’s Bakti Hijrah Awards conducted by Dayang Hajah Zakiah binti Haji Taib and Dayangku Hajah Jauyah binti Pengiran Haji Jini from the Ministry of Religious Affairs was the main highlight of the event.

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha then consented to present the awards to four recipients who each received $10,000, a certificate of recognition, a souvenir and free first-class ward medical facilities at any government hospital in the country.

Officers and staff members from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources as well as the members of the Brunei Darussalam Women’s Council also performed the Dikir Marhaban while Pengiran Anak Datin Paduka Hajah Masnah binti Pengiran Anak Safiuddin read the thanksgiving prayer.

Prior to the conclusion of the ceremony, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to view the Muslimah Exhibition organised by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources along with the Muslimah Affairs Section under the Mosque Affairs Department.

The Special Women’s Gathering was held for the 19th time and was organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources as well as the Brunei Darussalam Women’s Council. - Borneo Bulletin (3 February 2013)