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 yesterday underscored the great importance of Ramadhan as it was this month that Al-Quran was revealed.
His Majesty added that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said Ramadhan is the month of patience and the reward for patience is entering paradise. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “The beginning of Ramadhan is mercy, the middle forgiveness, and the end freedom from hellfire.”
His Majesty said, “By knowing these advantages all of us will love Ramadhan more and as a sign of our love, we will decorate it with religious obligations other than the act of fasting itself.”
His Majesty also shared a narration that said that all doors of heaven are open during Ramadhan while the doors of hell are closed and the devils chained, to prevent them from disturbing Muslims in performing the fasting obligations.
Another narration also said that whoever approaches Allah the Almighty, with one prayer in Ramadhan is equal in value to 70 prayers in other months while one sunnat prayer is equal in value to one fardhu prayer.
This is the great advantage of Ramadhan, His Majesty said and hoped that Muslims do not ignore the advantage and grab the opportunity only available once a year by performing religious practices such as reciting Al-Quran, performing Tarawih and Qiamullail as well as giving alms. On Qiamullail, a sunnah practice done at night to draw one closer to Allah the Almighty, in His Majesty’s opinion, Muslims need to continue to strive to liven up the nights of Ramadhan through Qiamullail practices, either individually or in congregation.
“In this regard, I appreciate the continuous efforts by relevant parties to hold congregational Qiamullail activities in mosques and suraus throughout the country, especially on the last 10 nights of Ramadhan.”
His Majesty also said, “What needs to be particularly preserved is the fasting itself, where we fast for a full month, so our fasting for a full month should also be accepted.”
His Majesty also shared that scholars reminded not to commit sins and avoid deeds that can ruin the fast, as how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gave the similar reminder. Fasting, said His Majesty, is a barrier.
“Hence when one is fasting one should not speak foul language, should not do evil (fasik) and not pretend to be ignorant of the law. If someone insults an individual or invites the individual to a fight, then the individual should say, ‘Indeed, I am fasting’.
Food intake is another important matter while fasting, said His Majesty, adding that proper food intake is important.
The food consumed should be clean and halal and not contaminated by haram or harmful elements.
“Islam is also very concerned about health and among the most effective steps to maintain one’s health is through a proper diet. Although varieties of food items are available during the fasting month, Muslims need to avoid waste and excessive eating and drinking by following the method demanded in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) where the measurement the Prophet (pbuh) used is one third for food, one-third for drink and another third for breathing.
“If the body is healthy, all religious activities can be carried out perfectly and everyone can all reap the benefits of this blessed month,” said His Majesty.
His Majesty also extended greetings from His Majesty and members of the royal family to all Muslims wherever they are with them able to perform the fasting obligations with good health and prosperity.
His Majesty, concluded the titah by wishing Muslims to be able to perform the fasting obligations with good health and prosperity, on behalf of the royal family. – Lyna Mohamad
