HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend a thanksgiving ceremony of mass Zohor prayer, recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday in conjunction with the 68th birthday celebration of His Majesty.

His Majesty was accompanied by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

At the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pengiran Hj Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awang Othman, Minister of Home Affairs as the chairman and member of the Executive Committee for the 68th Birthday Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The event commenced with mass Zohor prayer led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

It was followed with mass Sunnat Hajat prayer led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Suhaili bin Hj Mohiddin.

The event continued with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Suhaili bin Hj Mohidin.

To bless the ceremony, a Doa Kesyukuran was recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family were also greeted by people who congregated for the prayers.

The thanksgiving ceremony of mass Zohor prayer, recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran in conjunction with His Majesty’s 68th birthday celebration was held in mosques and suraus across the country.

Several mosques were made focal points for the event, including the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Jerudong, Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque in Kampung Serusop, Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kampung Sengkurong, Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque in Kampung Sungai Kebun, Setia Ali Mosque in Pekan Muara and Perpindahan Lambak Kanan Mosque.

In the Belait District, Perpindahan Kampung Pandan Mosque was the focal point, while prayers were also held at the Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque and Pekan Seria Mosque in Pekan Seria. In Tutong District, the event was held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque.

In Temburong District, the event was held at the Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar. - Borneo Bulletin (16 July 2014)