Azlan Othman
The Sultanate’s ability to face COVID-19 is due to not neglecting acts of worship towards Allah the Almighty, 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 said in a titah.
His Majesty delivered the titah to mark national level Israk Mikraj celebration for 1444 Hijrah at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
The monarch said the acts of worship are not limited to performing prayers, but also doing good deeds, obeying Allah the Almighty’s commands and avoiding prohibitions.
His Majesty said, “This is the key to success for the faithful. When we base our deeds on serving Allah the Almighty, then He will provide the best path for us.
“How do we do this? By ensuring our deeds are pious.”
His Majesty added that when our deeds are pious, Allah the Almighty promises in Surah At-Talaq to ease the troubles of those who are pious and provide them with sustenance.
The monarch added that Allah the Almighty’s promise is true and a great thing to receive.
Whoever receives it will no doubt have a happy life as all good things will be on his side and all the troubles at arms length.
“Whatever the stage of life we are in, we cannot escape divine tests. But these tests are not punishments, they are ‘good news’ to the servants of the faith.
“Allah the Almighty said in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 155: ‘We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops (because we want to see whether you are patient or not for the test). And give good tidings to the patient’.”
His Majesty said what can be traced from the verse is a matter of “patience”. When patience is present when facing trials, the person will receive good news in the form of rewards and favours from Allah the Almighty.
“That is the wisdom of the test – to test our patience. A patient person is steadfast and tenacious, not quick to fall or give up. The person keeps getting up and tries to learn from the misfortunes dealt.
“Patience does not just exist. It will appears among those who believe, who always draw closer to Allah the Almighty through the acts of worship, especially prayer. Prayer is the catalyst of all perfection.
“Only Allah the Almighty alone must be worshipped. And the people, who worship Allah the Almighty have been declared as the best ummah according to Al-Quran, as in Surah Al-Imran Verse 110: ‘You (ummah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)) are the best community ever raised for humanity – you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah the Almighty….’
“All the good and beneficial things are in Al-Quran. Thus, there are parties who are not happy – or even angry – with Al-Quran, who act to burn or tear apart Al-Quran.”
His Majesty added, “We affirmed that Al-Quran is the divine book that comes directly from Allah the Almighty. It was not composed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or anyone else.
“Therefore, we Muslims leave any provocation to Allah the Almighty based on Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 57: ‘Surely those who offend Allah the Almighty and His Messenger are condemned by Allah the Almighty in this world and the Hereafter. And He has prepared for them a humiliating punishment.’
“This is the truth, which should be understood by all citizens of this world.”
