Azlan Othman
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 called on parties who are given the responsibility to handle educational affairs, not to neglect the prayer obligation.
“This is the basic obligation in addition to existing duties,” said the monarch in a titah last night to mark the Israk Mikraj celebration for 1443 Hijrah.
His Majesty said no one can run away from this responsibility.
“Educators, parents and even the government must be equally responsible to ensure that worship is truly embraced, to obtain blessings for all of us and Brunei Darussalam,” the monarch said. “Israk Mikraj is an extraordinary event that happened to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). For the faithful, such an event is not seen with common sense or logic but with faith towards Allah the Almighty,” he said.
His Majesty said the main goal is to receive the command to pray five times as prescribed directly by Allah the Almighty to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) without any intermediaries.
“This is the greatness and speciality of prayer. Without doubt, prayer is the connecting link between Al-Khaliq and His servants.”
“The link becomes stronger through prayer.“
Hence, His Majesty said it is obligatory for Muslims to perform prayer as the core devotion in their daily life.
“Through prayer, Allah the Almighty brings peace, tranquility, wellness and happiness,” he said.
His Majesty said prayer can cleanse wrongdoings and subsequently become a ‘fortress’ against abominations and evils to reach the paradise of Allah the Almighty.
“Due to this noble aspiration, my government is assertive in the provision of compulsory religious education,” he said, calling on every Muslim citizen to embrace a culture of worship.
“I will be happy if all Muslims perform prayers as they are the pillar of religion,” he said.
