Royal consent to the establishment of Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
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 has consented for the upgrading of the Zakat Distribution and Collection Division at the Islamic Religious Council Department. The division will now be known as the Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In a titah delivered on the occasion of the new year 1445 Hijrah celebration, His Majesty emphasised the importance of the newly established department, which is set to officially operate from today. The transformation aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of zakat distribution, as well as implement other programmes related to zakat.
Additionally, the department will focus on diversifying the management and use of waqaf (endowment) assets, as well as managing and developing baitulmal assets.
His Majesty called upon all citizens and communities in Brunei Darussalam to unite in carrying out their responsibilities to uphold the well-being of the nation, irrespective of position or background, while emphasising the common goal of safeguarding the well-being of the country based on the teachings of Al-Quran and Al-Hadith.
Speaking about the new year Hijrah celebration, His Majesty expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the opportunity to welcome the year 1445 Hijrah. Going forward, the new year Hijrah celebration will be known as the Ilal Hijrah celebration signifying moving towards change and improving life for the better.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Ugama Dipelihara, Negara Sejahtera, derived from the concept of Maqasid Syariah, aimed at preserving the religion of Islam and regulating human life, ensuring the existence of virtue for its followers.
His Majesty commended the Ministry of Religious Affairs for their efforts in spreading understanding about Maqasid Syariah, not only within the government sector but also in the private sectors. His Majesty encouraged the dissemination of this knowledge to all levels of society, including rural areas.
His Majesty expressed confidence that by preserving the religion and upholding the Maqasid Syariah, the people of Brunei Darussalam will continue to enjoy prosperity, with the government ensuring that no citizen is left destitute without protection.
In conclusion, His Majesty and members of the royal family extended their wishes to the nation for a happy new year Ilal Hijrah 1445.
His Majesty urged everyone to strengthen their faith and piety towards Allah the Almighty as an expression of gratitude in entering the new year, with the hope of always being under Allah the Almighty’s protection. – Azlan Othman
