The annual Khatam Al-Quran ceremony in conjunction with the birthday celebration of 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 is another event highlight which is looked forward to especially among the Khatam participants.
Khatam participants expressed mixed feelings of joy and pride to be among those chosen to participate in the event to mark the beloved monarch’s birthday. What is more memorable is having to perform in the presence of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and other members of the royal family.
For Md Habib Hakimi bin Haji Mustapa, a Year 10 student of Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, he feels privileged to be among the five selected participants from his school.
The 15-year-old shared that this is his third Khatam experience but his very first participation in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration at Istana Nurul Iman. The feeling of excitement of being in the presence of Their Majesties and other members of the royal family is one he would never forget.
“Alhamdulillah, I am thankful for the opportunity and this will be one of my best personal achievements so far this year and definitely a memorable one,” he said.
Meanwhile another participant, Sharifah Nor Adelia Damia binti Zayadi shared that she did not expect to be chosen as one of the representing students for the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Kuala Belait Religious School.
“Of course, I am over the moon to be here at Istana Nurul Iman in the presence of Their Majesties and other members of the royal family. As this is my first Khatam experience, I am still keen to start from Juzuk 1 again since I still need to improve on my recitation and tajweed,” said the 11-year-old.
The Primary 5 student at the religious school also expressed pride and honoured to be part of the selected Khatam participants for the 77 Times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony and she will treasure the memorable and unforgettable experience. – Lyna Mohamad
