Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday graced a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony in conjunction with the Girl Guides Day celebration organised by the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.
The ceremony also coincided with the celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday.
Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by PPPBD Deputy Chief Commissioner Hajah Viviyanti binti Haji Md Ali who shared the history of PPPBD which is now in its 70th year since its establishment in 1951. She also touched on the organisation’s highlights over the years.
The PPPBD was officially established on February 1, 1951, when the PPPBD Constitution was approved by the Imperial Headquarters in London, making PPPBD an associate member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) on July 26, 1987.
As of now, PPPBD has approximately 1,500 members. Since its inception, PPPBD has carried out scouting activities and projects that encompass religious, national, societal, health, environmental conservation and skill development aspects.
PPPBD members have also participated in trainings, workshops, developmental courses, camps, and conferences, both domestically and internationally. As an association with the goal of empowering young women and girls, activities and projects planned by PPPBD are designed to support the personal and character development of its members, starting from childhood.
The association represents and promotes Brunei’s cultural traditions while adapting to global standards as required by WAGGGS.
The duty is undertaken with determination within the country and involves active participation not only from association members but also the support of Her Majesty as the Royal Patron of the PPPBD.
The event also saw the recitation of Al-Quran verses starting with Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah led by PPPBD Spiritual Commissioner Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Abdul Ghani.
The ceremony continued with a doa to commence Al-Quran recitation and Takhtim by the Khatam participants, led by participants from the Youth Leaders of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Youth Leaders of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).
As part of this year’s celebration, four groups of readers, consisting of members of the executive committee, adult leaders, youth leaders, girl guides rangers, and girl guides, completed the recitation of 30 Juzuk of Al-Quran within their respective groups.
Meanwhile, the Doa Khatam was led by UNISSA Youth Leaders Unit head Dr Mariam binti Haji Abdul Rahman, and the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam was led by Hajah Fatimah.
Her Majesty was ushered to cut a cake in celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday.
Honorary Lifetime Deputy Presidents of the PPPBD Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris and Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali were also present. – Adib Noor
