HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend the national Israk Mikraj celebration held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pg Haji Abdul Rahman, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Islamic Major Events for 1435 Hijrah and other members of the committee welcomed His Majesty and members of the royal family upon their arrival.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses of Al-Quran by Imam of Ash Shaliheen Mosque, Awang Haji Aslinan bin Haji Metussin, followed by an explanation of its meaning by a Mosque Affairs Officer, Awang Samsul Nizam bin Haji Badar.

The minister presented his remark on the ‘Excellence Imam Award’ and ‘Excellence Bilal Award’, saying that the awards serve as a form of recognition and appreciation to the recipients and also acts as an inducement for them and others to enhance efforts and initiatives to promote good qualities, effective leadership and competency in order for mosques, suraus and prayer halls across the country to prosper.

The minister also added that this year’s Israk Mikraj celebration is based on the theme of ‘Sembahyang Teras Kekuatan Umat’, which relates to the roles of Imams and Bilals in upholding the importance of prayer, which is beneficial to Muslims.

The ceremony continued with His Majesty’s titah followed by a lecture from the Acting Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Pg Anak Dr Haji Amiruddin Alam Shah bin Pg Anak Haji Ismail.

The ceremony continued with the announcement of the recipients of the Excellence Imam Award and Excellence Bilal Award for 1435 Hijrah by Acting Director of Mosque Affairs Department, Awang Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh, followed with the recitation of verses of Al-Quran and call of Azan by the recipients.

His Majesty consented to present the Award for Outstanding Imam to the Imam of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Hamidon bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Abdul Hamid and Award for Outstanding Bilal to the Bilal of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Mudim Awang Haji Amran bin Haji Mohd Salleh.

The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned. - Borneo Bulletin (28 May 2014)