Kampong Putat recently held its 32nd Village-Wide Tahlil and Doa Arwah Ceremony, bringing together local residents, invited guests, and dignitaries in a meaningful gathering of remembrance and community spirit on Sunday morning.
The event commenced with the arrival of invited guests and village residents, followed by a religious talk delivered by Ustaz Abdul Rahman Bin Ajak, Assistant Lecturer at the Jawi and Turath Studies Centre, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).
Present as the guest of honour at the event was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi Bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
A collective recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah was led by Bilal Awg Afendi bin Hj Taha, marking the solemnity of the occasion. This was followed by a speech from the Joint Chairman of the Event, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Putat Yang Berhormat Awg Zainol bin Hj Mohammad.
As part of the proceedings, donations were presented to orphans, alongside the awarding of completion certificates to students of Al-Quran and Muqaddam classes. Special recipients also received contributions, while the guest of honour was presented with a souvenir as a token of appreciation.
A key highlight of the event was the collective recitation of Tahlil and Doa Arwah, led by Bilal Awang Afendi Bin Haji Taha, accompanied by teachers from Kampong Putat Mosque’s Al-Quran and Muqaddam classes.
This was followed by the recitation of the Doa Selamat, led by Mosque Affairs Officer, Imam Awang Sh’minan Bin Haji Sulaiman.
In his speech, Yang Berhormat Awg Zainol expressed gratitude for the continued support and generosity of the community. He announced that this year’s contributions amounted to BND6,760.00, allowing assistance to be extended to nine special recipients.
These funds were also used to cover event expenses and provide for the welfare of orphans.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, he highlighted how the Tahlil and Doa Arwah Ceremony has grown since its humble beginnings in 1993, evolving from small gatherings in residents’ homes to a well-supported annual event.
He emphasised that while some aspects are now managed through catering services, the Bruneian tradition of ‘Calak Brunei’ remains strong.
He also noted the village’s ongoing initiative to clean and maintain local cemeteries, including Baong, Paluk, Kupang, and Takuning, as a reflection of the community’s deep respect for those who have passed.
With the holy month of Ramadhan approaching, he encouraged attendees to increase their acts of worship, voluntary fasting, and good deeds in preparation.
He also took the opportunity to extend congratulations ahead of Brunei Darussalam’s National Day on 23rd February, marking the nation’s 41st anniversary of independence with the theme ‘United in Achieving the Nation’s Aspirations.’
The event concluded with a communal meal, fostering further camaraderie among participants. – James Kon
