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 graced the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for 1446 Hijrah at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed 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 Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman and other senior government officials.
The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, followed by welcoming remarks from the minister.
His Majesty delivered a titah, followed by the announcement of winners for the National Al-Quran Memorisation and its Understanding Competition for 1446 Hijrah.
In the national category, Nur Sofiyyah Solehah binti Mohammad Fikri emerged as the winner in category ‘A’ (30 Juzuk), receiving BND1,500. Nur Abidah Bazilah binti Haji Rosmin came top in category ‘B’ (selected surahs) with a score of 98.08 per cent, earning BND2,000, while Abdul Matin bin Zulnorein secured first place in category ‘C’ (3 Juzuk), receiving BND2,800.
For the advanced categories, Nur Kamaliah binti Haji Jahari won category ‘D’ (15 Juzuk) with 98.51 per cent, receiving BND3,500, while Awangku Muhammad Abdul Qadir bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim topped category ‘E’ (30 Juzuk) with 98.48 per cent, earning BND5,000.
The event also saw international participation in the MABIMS-level competition, with Indonesia’s Hanin Mashlahah winning the 10 Juzuk category and Muhammad Haikal Al Ghifari securing the 30 Juzuk title.
The annual celebration serves as a platform to strengthen Islamic values and national unity, reinforcing Brunei’s commitment to the principles of Islam as a blessing for all. – Fadley Faisal
