HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined congregants in Sunnat Aidiladha prayers before leading a Korban ceremony at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong.

Brunei Darussalam marked the Hari Raya Aidiladha festivities with prayers held in mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide, followed by sacrificial rites ceremonies held in various locations.

The Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah was the focal point of the Aidiladha celebration.

Accompanying His Majesty were 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 ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, who is also the Chairman of the Executive Committee for Islamic Religious Events for 1434 Hijrah as well as other committee members.

Leading the congregation for the Sunnat Hari Raya Aidiladha prayer was Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

This was followed by a two-part sermon delivered by the the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

Following the mass Sunnat prayer, His Majesty and members of the royal family mingled with hundreds of congregants at the mosque before proceeding to perform sacrificial rites on seven goats contributed by His Majesty and the royal family.

As an annual tradition to mark the occasion, His Majesty and the royal family contributed the sacrificial meat, which was evenly distributed to the less fortunate nationwide. This year’s total contribution amounted to 14 goats and 66 heads of cattle.

The ceremony held at the compound of the mosque began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

His Majesty later led the sacrificial rites on the first goat and witnessed the rites being performed by HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Following the sacrificial rites, His Majesty consented to present portions of the sacrificial meat to 20 selected recipients among the less fortunate from the Brunei-Muara District.

The rest of the sacrificial livestock were slaughtered at the Mulaut Abbatoir and portions of the sacrificial meat were distributed to a total of 6,145 less fortunate individuals in separate events across all districts yesterday, presided by the respective district officers.

The ceremony continued with a Tausyeh performance, followed by a Doa Selamat led by the State Mufti. Aidiladha is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (pbuh) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah the Almighty.

It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Zulhijjah in the Muslim calendar. - Borneo Bulletin (6 October 2014)