Azlan Othman
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 said the people in Brunei Darussalam have the vast opportunity to grab the benefits of fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan.
The monarch in a titah to mark the first day of Ramadhan, aired on Radio Television Brunei (RTB) last night, said, “The peace the nation enjoys and the strong economy will enable us to embrace Ramadhan comfortably.
“This is a special gift for us compared to other places that are grappling with mishaps such as war, earthquakes and floods affecting property and threatening lives,” His Majesty said.
“Imagine how Muslims could fast whilst at the same time struggling with war, earthquakes and major floods,” His Majesty said.
“We can only imagine whilst at the same time sympathise and pray for them.”
The monarch also said that we are grateful that the threat of COVID-19 has slowly diminished with the lifitng of restrictions.
“This is a blessing that enables us to glorify mosques with obligatory prayers, recite Al-Quran and perform the highly recommended Sunnat Tarawih prayers without any restriction.
“Such blessing should not be ignored to gain more rewards which offers great sustenance for the days of hereafter.
“Let us hope that the blessing of Allah the Almighty is everlasting to allow us to perform the obligatory fasting for one whole month in good health and peace,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty also called for Muslims in the country to express gratefulness for all the blessings in that we once again welcome the holy month of Ramadhan in which there in lies one night better than 1,000 months. May Allah the Almighty not let us down from acquiring Lailatul Qadar.
“We also hope to get Lailatul Qadar which is full of blessings and only happens in the holy month of Ramadhan.
“For that purpose, we should follow the guidelines outlined by Ulama or Islamic scholars such as by enlivening the last 10 nights of Ramadhan and anything relating to it.
“Ramadhan is a special month that tests our patience to perform fasting for one month. The rewards to perform pious acts during this month exceeds those in other months.
“According to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), one obligation performed in the month of Ramadhan resembles performing 70 obligations in other months.
“That is the honour that is bestowed upon the holy month of Ramadhan by Allah the Almighty.”
In conclusion, His Majesty and members of the royal family wish Muslims citizens and residents a blessed Ramadhan and hope that we can fulfill the obligation of performing fast without any hindrance or obstacles.
