THE nation united yesterday in answering a call made by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for Muslims in the country to attend the ‘Munajat Negara’ with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Sunnat Hajat prayers at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kg Kiarong, to seek protection and security of Palestine and its people from the violence and persecution of the enemy.

His Majesty yesterday morning consented to attend the event and was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

The Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah was packed with congregants including thousands of school students who arrived early by buses. Upon arrival at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, His Majesty was greeted by Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs; and Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

His Majesty then consented to join the mass recitation of Surah Yaasiin led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Salim bin Hj Besar. His Majesty then performed the mass Zohor prayer led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

After performing the Zohor prayer, His Majesty then consented to perform the mass Sunnat Hajat prayer led by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, who later led the Doa Hajat which broke some into tears with the heart-touching Doa.

His Majesty alongside his subjects – Muslim citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam – sought the blessings of Allah the Almighty and prayed that the State of Palestine and its people will be protected and saved from all forms of violence.

Also present at the ‘Munajat Negara’ were among others, YAM Pengiran Cheterias, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Privy Councils, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, special guests and heads of department.

The ‘Munajat Negara’ was held concurrently at all mosques, surau and balai ibadat throughout the country with the main congregation in the Brunei-Muara District at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kg Kiarong; National Housing Scheme Mosque in Kg Pandan in the Belait District; Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in the Tutong District; and Muhammad Salleh main Mosque in the Temburong District. - Borneo Bulletin (15 July 2014)