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 joined congregants at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah for a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony to mark His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.
Accompanying the monarch were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Similar ceremonies were also simultaneously held at mosques throughout the country yesterday evening.
Mass Maghrib prayer was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar while recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil was led by Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Officer Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat.
Doa Kesyukuran was read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim while Isyak prayer was led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat.
His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted upon arrival at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar; Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as the Chairperson of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration; Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan.
Meanwhile, Imams in the Friday sermon yesterday said His Majesty is a leader who carries out mandates of Allah the Almighty by prioritising people’s welfare for security, harmony and a peaceful life.
There is heavy responsibility on a ruler and when it is carried out in a correct manner, the ruler will receive a high position and will be loved by Allah the Almighty, the Imams said.
“Besides ruling the nation and becoming the head of state, His Majesty is also the head of the religion, head of Adat Istiadat and the head of administration.”
The monarch also prioritises the implementation of Islam in the administration, development and welfare.
Under the monarch’s wise and far-sighted leadership, the nation is moving towards excellence, the Imams said.
His Majesty’s birthday is celebrated with gratefulness towards Allah the Almighty, while people should pledge their loyalty to the benevolent ruler. Meanwhile, the sound of cannon shots will reverberate across the capital in honour of His Majesty’s birthday at the traditional ceremonial grand parade today at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital. This will be followed by an audience and investiture ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman.
His Majesty’s birthday is joyfully celebrated in all the four districts by people from all walks of life to present birthday wishes and greetings to the ruler during the get-together ceremony this month. – Azlan Othman
