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 underlined the importance of prayer, in line with the theme of this year’s Israk Mikraj celebration, ‘Sembahyang Tiang Ugama’ (Prayer, the Pillar of Religion), during a titah at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.
“A building cannot be constructed without its pillars. Similarly, Islam cannot stand tall without prayer as its pillar,” said the monarch. “Thus, those who pray are upholding the religion, while those who don’t are destroying it.”
As such, His Majesty believes it is vital to lay a strong foundation of prayer as it is the main act of worship, and such can be achieved by strengthening religious education in the Sultanate.
“Practical emphasis on religious knowledge, such as ablution and recitation, needs to be strengthened, not only at the primary school level but also at higher levels,” the monarch added.
His Majesty also spoke of the presence of mind during the act of worship, which can be achieved even among people with different abilities (OKU).
“Regardless of the physical condition of an individual – able-bodied or otherwise, healthy or ill – as long as the mind is able to set intentions, prayer must not be neglected,” the monarch said.
His Majesty also called for inclusivity in religious education programmes by ensuring that facilities are in place to accommodate the OKU.
Meanwhile, the monarch applauded the Ministry of Religious Affairs for its efforts in glorifying the faith, engaging all levels of society and enlivening places of worship, such as mosques, suraus and religious halls, through workshops and other activities.
His Majesty said one good example of meaningful activity is the weekly Munajat every Saturday, a programme that features Al-Quran reading, Zikir, prayers and religious talks, which the monarch believes needs to be further supported by all stakeholders. – Rokiah Mahmud
