National Religious Programme promotes the Islamic way of life

|     Aziz Idris     |

RELIGIOUS students from across the Sultanate participated in the inaugural National Religious Programme initiated by the Islamic Studies Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs to cultivate and fosters deeper understanding of Islam as the way of life.

The morning session held yesterday at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girl’s Secondary Arabic Religious School (SUAMPRIPAD) saw 20 students being selected to recite the Ratib Al-Attas at the school’s surau.

A section of the students during the recitation. – AZIZ IDRIS

The programme hoped to instil the love for religion and encourage the habit of practising Islam as the way of every Muslim child in the Sultanate, as well as and community as a whole.

The programme is an initiative from Islamic Studies Department’s Strategic Plan 2010-2014, which is to increase the percentage of students in curricular activities conducted in both religious and Arabic schools throughout the nation.

According to the department, the programme aims to produce strong beliefs and the moral character among students through curricular education programme.

The programme yesterday began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by Ratib Al-Attas, Dikir Ashrakal and concluded with ‘Doa Peliharakan Sultan’.

Among the schools involved were the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girl’s Secondary Arabic Religious School and Ma’had Islam Brunei for the morning session, and Pelambayan Religious School, Lambak Kanan Religious School, PAP ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah Religious School, Jerudong Religious School, PAP Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam Religious School, PAP Hjh Nor’ain Religious School, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Religious School, Pg Muda Mohamed Bolkiah Religious School in the afternoon session.

According to SUAMPRIPAD Principal, Ustazah Hjh Haryati binti Hj Ahmad, some of the benefits of reciting Ratib Al-Attas include asking for protection, blessings and prosperity for oneself from any unwanted elements.

She also added that the recitation can also make the atmosphere livelier at the religious schools and hence encourages more participation among teachers and students in spreading the teachings of Islam.

Ratib Al-Attas is a type of Dikir that comprises a collection of selected verses. Through the recitation of the Ratib Al-Attas, it was hoped that the country would remain peaceful, secure and protected by Allah the Almighty.