Rokiah Mahmud
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 yesterday called on the nation to recite Zikir amid an increase in mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a titah to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha for 1443 Hijrah from Istana Nurul Iman, broadcast nationwide yesterday evening, His Majesty said, “For several years, we have been celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha with heightened concern over the coronavirus. The battle has yet to be won and now, we are faced with the emergence of a new infection – monkeypox.
“As of mid-June, there had been some 2,000 cases recorded in 36 countries. It is surely a threat that must not be taken lightly.”
The monarch thus expressed hope that the Sultanate will be granted blessings and protection from Allah the Almighty.
His Majesty also noted warnings issued by experts on the negative effects of dealing with the epidemic (wabak) and disasters simultaneously on mental and physical health.
His Majesty said, “The United Nations (UN) shared that almost one billion people around the world, including millions of children and youth, experience mental health disruptions.
“These disruptions could lead to heart problems and extreme anxiety, thus requiring sufferers to undergo treatments such as counselling and psychotropic medicines.”
The monarch believes that for Muslims, “there are religious obligations that should not be neglected even if other efforts have been undertaken”.
His Majesty also quoted Verse 28 of Surah Ar-Ra’d, which states: “Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty do hearts find satisfaction.”
The monarch continued, “We need to remember Allah the Almighty through the recitation of Zikir including Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, Selawat and Al-Quran as well as supplication.”
Following the guidance of Surah Ar-Ra’d, His Majesty said, is the most effective treatment for mental health issues.
To mark Hari Raya Aidiladha, the monarch also called on the nation to enliven the celebration with Takbir, Tasbih and Tahmid for they contain Zikir elements to protect the Sultanate from disasters and mental health issues.
To conclude, His Majesty extended wishes for the safety and good health of Haj pilgrims.
