His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, said by preserving the sanctity of Al-Quran and using it as a guide, one can find direction and solutions to all aspects of life in this transient world and the eternal hereafter.
His Royal Highness said this in a sabda during the opening ceremony of the final of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults for 1445 Hijrah/2024 at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas, yesterday.
His Royal Highness noted that the effort to instill Al-Quran reading as a routine in the lives of Muslims in the Sultanate has extended to almost all fields of work and significant events.
“Spiritual practices and remembrance of Allah the Almighty, in essence, aim to bring blessings to receive His mercy and approval,” His Royal Highness said.
The theme ‘Al-Quran, Pedomanku’ (Al-Quran, My Guidance), which signifies that Al-Quran serves as a comprehensive guide in one’s life, illuminating the path to righteousness and Allah the Almighty’s approval, is very apt and relevant, added His Royal Highness.
His Royal Highness expressed happiness and interest in the ongoing efforts by various stakeholders to enhance and strengthen religious education, aiming to shape students with noble character.
Educational programmes, including scholarly studies that uphold the sanctity of Al-Quran, have yielded positive results, especially in fostering a love for Al-Quran within the Muslims, from primary education to higher education institutions.
“Such opportunities continue to be expanded to every level of society, including efforts to integrate them into the national education system,” His Royal Highness said. His Royal Highness highlighted, “The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam prioritises providing dedicated Al-Quran teachers at all educational levels.”
The initiative is significant in ensuring the continuity of teaching reading skills and studying Al-Quran comprehensively, which serve as the foundation for instilling spiritual strength and life guidance from an early age.
“Parents and guardians also play a crucial role, particularly in guiding and encouraging the entire family to sustain the practice and culture of Al-Quran reading,” His Royal Highness added.
His Royal Highness stressed that the continuity and success of these efforts are vital to make the teachings of Islam and Al-Quran the foundation of family unity, societal harmony and national peace, based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy.
“With nationwide efforts to uphold and glorify the sanctity of Al-Quran, we pray to Allah the Almighty for guidance to lead our leaders and all members of society in spreading the noble values of Islam,” he stated.
His Royal Highness concluded the sabda by highlighting the ultimate goal of earning rewards and seeking intercession from Ummul Kitab, Al-Quran.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik was also in attendance. – Adib Noor
