Daniel Lim & Rokiah Mahmud
A nationwide religious ceremony for local community leaders and students was launched yesterday, in conjunction with 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 77th birthday celebration.
Mukim and Village Consultative Councils and students from schools and higher learning institutions began a 77-time Khatam Al-Quran after the Asar prayer.
In Brunei-Muara District, the launching ceremony was held at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.
Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.
In Tutong District, Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan was the guest of honour for the event at Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam Mosque, Kampong Sengkarai.
In Belait District, Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu was the guest of honour of the event at Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque.
And in the Temburong District, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid was the guest of honour at the event at Utama Mohamad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar
The ceremony commenced with mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and followed with Al-Quran recitation from Juzuk 1. It concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat.
The country will celebrate His Majesty’s 77th birthday on July 15.