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 expressed concerns over the worrying trend of addiction such as the uncontrolled use of social media and the spreading of unverified information and images, as well as immoral videos, which can distract from the true function of the mind.
In a titah delivered last night, in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul celebration for 1446 Hijrah/2024, the monarch said, “Judging by this alarming development, I hope that education, especially religious education, will play an effective role in instilling noble values which begins in childhood, up until the tertiary level.
“Parents, guardians and stakeholders ought to be more aware of the cognitive development and mental health of the children, and be mindful of their online activity to ensure that digital technology is not being misused.
“In this digital era, challenges are mountainous, especially with social media spreading information against the teachings of Islam that are based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.”
The monarch added, “We must strengthen our ‘immune’ system through religious education, which is crucial in preventing us from being influenced by ideology and thoughts that are not in tune with government policies.”
His Majesty also hoped that propagation activities conducted by agencies are being delivered in a way that work as shields against deviant teachings spread through social media platforms, while expressing hope that “my government, through all enforcement agencies, continue to step up efforts to curb deviant teachings, and control pluralism, extremism and radicalism, so that these elements will not spread” as it is crucial in “upholding peace and stability”.
On the occasion of Maulidur Rasul, His Majesty said, “Among the purposes Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent as a messenger was to correct our morals. Allah the Almighty said Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the best example to be followed as narrated in Surah Al-Ahzab verse 21: ‘Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah the Almighty and the Last Day, and remembers Allah the Almighty often.’”
His Majesty, on the celebration’s theme, ‘Preserving the Mind based on Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)’, said, “It is timely amid the current challenges that require the preservation of the mind. A healthy mind guarantees a blessed life. If our mind is healthy, all matters will run smoothly, successfully and be in a better position. Hence, addressing mental illness should be a priority.
“The mind is the biggest blessing from Allah the Almighty and is crucial for survival. Islam provides guidelines on how to maintain a healthy mind by forbidding substances intoxicate and destroy the mind, such as consuming alcohol and abusing drugs.”
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), His Majesty called on Muslims to intensify selawat to seek assistance in worldly affairs and in the days of hereafter. – Azlan Othman
