Adib Noor
By command 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, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) announced that the Sultanate will observe the 1st of Ramadhan for 1444 Hijrah today following the successful sighting of the hilal (crescent).
The delegation assigned to sight the new moon, comprising Syar’ie judges and officials from Syariah Court, Attorney General’s Chambers, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), State Mufti’s Office and the Survey Department sighted the new moon at several designated areas.
This year, five locations were earmarked for moon-sighting: DST Tower, DST Headquarters building, Tungku Highway; Bukit Agok in Jerudong; Tanjung Batu in Pekan Muara; Bukit Ambog in Tutong District; and Bukit Lumut in Belait District.
The result of the moon sighting was relayed to Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman as MUIB President during a meeting at the MoRA premises yesterday.
Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar was also present.
Muslims in Brunei Darussalam started performing Sunnat Terawih and Sunnat Witir prayers as well as Tedarus Al-Quran in mosques, suraus and religious halls across the country yesterday after the Isyak prayer.
Working hours at government ministries and departments throughout the month of Ramadhan will be from 8am to 2pm, except on Fridays, from 8-11.30am.
During Ramadhan, local eateries are advised not to serve dine-in customers in daylight hours.
Under Chapter 195 of the Syariah Penal Code Order, 2013, eateries caught serving diners during the day time will be prosecuted for disrespecting the holy month.
