The Knowledge Convention remains a relevant source of knowledge and information for all levels of society, and this year’s theme, ‘Munajat Senegara Dengan Taubat’ (‘Nationwide Munajat With Repentance’), aligns with the fact that knowledge has no boundaries.
This was said by 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 during the opening of the Knowledge Convention 2023 at the International Convention Centre yesterday.
His Majesty said it is the obligation of every ummah who has committed a sin to repent to Allah the Almighty immediately, adding that repentance goes beyond regretting past sins, seeking forgiveness and vowing to not do it again; it is through repentance that catastrophes can be avoided.
His Majesty also touched on other benefits of repentance such as continuous blessings and peace of mind, which are “promised by Allah the Almighty, as stated in Al-Quran”.
The monarch noted the reading of Al-Quran, reciting Zikir, performing Selawat and holding weekly Munajat night as traditions that have been passed down as “our own ways to self-reflect in the presence of challenges or calamities”.
Meanwhile, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Co-Chairperson of the Knowledge Convention 2023 Steering Committee, said like previous events, the convention continues to focus on well-being, security and health.
He said this year’s theme serves to encourage the ummah to supplicate and seek assistance from Allah the Almighty amid challenges that affect their well-being and health.
The minister noted that the practice of getting closer to Allah the Almighty is not foreign to the people of Brunei Darussalam; in fact, he added, it has been the way of life in the Sultanate for centuries. – Azlan Othman
