HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday extolled the importance of Hijrah (migration), which depicts courage, sacrifice and loyalty.

In a titah to mark the New Year 1436 Hijrah broadcast nationwide over radio and television last night, His Majesty said Hijrah is an event full of blessings and urged Muslims not to be weak or afraid to show the goodness of Islam.

“Hijrah was not planned as an escape but was a bid by Allah the Almighty to save the faith that was brought by

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),” His Majesty said, adding that it happened in an extraordinary way and the journey was filled with difficulties and challenges.

“If it was not for Allah the Almighty, the Hijrah would have failed midway, as the Prophet and his companion, Sayyidina Abu Bakar, were almost caught.”

According to His Majesty, the Hijrah celebration has traditionally been a time for the nation to look back at the history of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Hijrah and to appreciate how Muslims are able to welcome the turn of the New Year 1436 Hijrah celebration in peace and harmony.

The history of Hijrah is full of teachings and examples, His Majesty said, noting that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had never known the meaning of fear when performing tasks, as Allah the Almighty is always there.

According to His Majesty, this concept is important and should be exemplified by Muslims nowadays so as to test their assertiveness towards leading a religious life.

His Majesty lamented that if we (Muslims) are weak and afraid to show the goodness of Islam and its holy teachings, this would only position ourselves as not to be the best Ummah (nation).

In this regard, there is a need to realise our effort to exemplify the teachings of Hijrah, His Majesty said.

His Majesty noted that the theme of this year’s 1436 Hijrah celebration, “Bersatu Mendokong Undang-Undang Allah” (United In Upholding The Laws Of Allah the Almighty), should be welcomed with a courageous and honest attitude.

In concluding the titah, His Majesty said, “What is important is to remember that whatever we do should be to help and preserve His (Allah the Almighty’s) religion … and eventually we shall receive help from Him. This is what Allah the Almighty promises.”

His Majesty, on behalf of the royal family, conveyed greetings for the New Year 1436 Hijrah and hoped that the citizens and residents of the country would remain under the protection of Allah the Almighty and be showered with blessings in the form of peace and prosperity. - Borneo Bulletin (25 October 2014)