Bandar seri begawan: The country celebrated the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam with a grand assembly and processions nationwide. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah joined the citizens and residents of Brunei Muara District in the National Level Maulidur Rasul Grand Assembly and Procession, which took place on the morning of September 6th. More than five thousand participants attended this significant event, which was organized under the theme ‘Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam Adalah Teladan Keluarga Sakinah, Mawaddah wa Rahmah’ by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad.
According to Radio Television Brunei, upon His Majesty’s arrival, he was warmly greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs. Accompanying His Majesty were his sons and brothers, including His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The event commenced with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. In his welcoming address, the Minister of Religious Affairs expressed gratitude for the continuity of the Maulidur Rasul celebrations. He highlighted that the tradition symbolizes the community’s gratitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for the guidance received by the majority of citizens and residents, who have embraced Islam as the official religion of the country. The ceremony was further enriched with dikir marhaban, followed by 21 cannon shots.
To mark the commencement of the procession, the recitation of selawat was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.