Banda Seri Begawan – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‘izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joined hundreds of his subjects to perform the Maghrib and Isyak prayers at Jame‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday evening in conjunction with the 24th National Day which the nation celebrates today.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister‘s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen as well as other members of the royal family.
The event commenced with the Maghrib prayers led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya Hj Ibrahim. This was followed by Solat Sunnat Hajat led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awg Hj Salim Besar to seek blessings from Allah SWT for the nationand its people. The recital of the doa kesyukuran or thanksgiving prayers and the Surah Yassin was led by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz Juned.
The congregation was then led to perform the Isyak prayer led by Pehin Dato Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid Bakal.
Among a sea of colourful baju melayu and robes, mosque-goers had the chance to greet His Majesty prior to the prayers.
The event was a serious but yet joyful time for both the young and the old, locals as well as foreign, to express gratitude to Allah SWT for 24 years of independence, having enjoyed over two decades of immense growth in various areas and developing Brunei Darussalam into what it is now.
Similar prayers were held at mosques nationwide to pray for the country‘s continued prosperity and safe from catastrophes.The Brunei Times.
Source: www.bt.com.bn (23 Februari 2008)
