HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday consented to attend the 68 times Khatam Al-Quran by members of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils nationwide held at the Royal Banquet Hall, Istana Nurul Iman, in conjunction with the 68th birthday celebrations of His Majesty.

The arrival of His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha along with other members of the royal family was greeted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, as well as co-advisor, co-chairman and members of the Supreme Committee of 68 times Khatam Al-Quran and their spouses.

The afternoon event began with the mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

The event continued with a mass recitation of Khatam Al-Quran by the participants. It was followed by the recitation of Takhtim and Tahlil by religious officers and teachers from the Department of Islamic Studies and Mosque Affairs Department. The recitation of Doa Khatam Al-Quran was read by Khatam participant Awang Mohd Nurbazli bin Mohd Mustafah from Brunei-Muara District.

Then the Dikir Marhaban was performed by 68 mosque officers from the Mosque Affairs Department and 68 officers and female religious officers from the Department of Islamic Studies.

The ceremony ended with a Doa Selamat read by the State Mufti.

The 68 times Khatam Al-Quran was among events that signified nationalism and religion. The event marked the completion of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran by each of the 1,768 participants. It comprised six categories where the participants representing each district. A total of 68 male and 68 female adults, youths, and a total of 680 boys and girls under 12 years old comprising students participated in the Tilawah Al-Quran Remaja, Skim Galakan Khatam Al-Quran under 10 years, Arabic preparatory schools, religious schools, Al-Falaah School and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School.

The recitation of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran for more than 1,000 times was intended for the continuing good health and leadership of His Majesty under the protection of Allah the Almighty.

The recitation of 30 Juzuk of Al-Quran was launched in all four districts on March 10 at the main mosque in each district.

The event was in line with His Majesty’s titah for citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam to be proficient in Al-Quran and His Majesty’s vision to transform the country into a Zikir Nation blessed by Allah the Almighty.

This will surely act as a catalyst towards the appreciation on the teachings of Al-Quran and at the same time, strengthened the strong support of the people to the nation’s effort in enforcing the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.

The participation of the people at the grassroots level and the public is a manifestation of the people’s loyalty and obedience towards the monarch, religion and nation. It also symbolised the people thankfulness towards the blessing that Allah the Almighty has given to the country under the benevolent leadership of His Majesty. - Borneo Bulletin (31 August 2014)