Azaraimy HH
HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah during the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults Finals last night said in Brunei Darussalam no Muslim should say that they still could not read the Quran because there are various avenues to learn to read the Quran in the country.
The ruler added that reading the Quran is encouraged in Brunei, as doing so means reciting Zikir (stating devotion to Allah the Almighty).
“Reciting Zikir by reading the Quran is paramount and ‘Afdal’ because reading the Quran is a big ‘Ibadat’ other than obligatory ‘ibadat’ such as praying five times a day,” His Majesty said.
Hence, His Majesty said, we are required to read, deepen our knowledge and follow its contents.
His Majesty also urged his subjects to avoid doubting the Quran and Hadith, as it will only invite the fury of Allah the Almighty.
Awangku Md Adibul Amin bin Pengiran Haji Marzuki made history by winning the competition for the third consecutive time after emerging victorious in 2012 and 2013 in addition to his wins in 2008 and 2010.
Dayang Siti Huzaimah Yadhey bte Haji Rosli won the honours in the Qariah category.
His Majesty in the titah also said Al-Quran should not be used as a decoration but as a light for those who read it.
“We are now in a more advanced era in implementing the teachings of the Quran,” His Majesty said. “For example, the country has forbidden activities relating to alcohol, the country has also improved the image of Friday, prevent the pratice of ‘Riba’ by establishing Islamic financial institutions and others.”
His Majesty reminded that all of these are done based on the teachings of the Quran.
“Now we have also taken a step in legal matters that we are obligated to by Al-Quran,” His Majesty added. In a nutshell, His Majesty said, “Brunei Darussalam, Insya Allah, will not cease to seek the blessings of Allah the Almighty through guidance and direction from Al-Quran.”
Touching on the theme of this year’s competition, which is ‘Al-Quran is as the saviour of this world and hereafter’, His Majesty said this is in line with Firman Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 2, where it says that the Quran that is read by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came from Allah the Almighty.
The content of the Quran provides guidance for those who want to devote themselves by following what Allah the Almighty has asked them to do and avoid all He has asked them to avoid.
His Majesty said the Surah explains clearly that in the Quran there is nothing that can be doubted and that all its principles are true. Muslims must be confident to follow its teachings.
“Those who follow it will be saved and those who neglect it will receive punishments in the hereafter. I am very hopeful that we are all more committed towards reading the Quran as much as possible and holding strong to its teachings. Avoid doubting the Quran and Hadith, as it will only invite the fury of Allah the Almighty,” His Majesty said.
The ruler congratulated all who took part in all stages of the competition, especially those who reached the finals this year.
“For the Qari and Qariah that won this competition and will represent the country at the International Musabaqah Tilawah Al-Quran in Kuala Lumpur, I hope they will make an effort to upgrade their reading skills and deepen their knowledge as required at the international competition,” His Majesty said.
- Borneo Bulletin
(11 April 2014)