By Yusrin Junaidi & Azrol Azmi
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined the ummah for Aidiladha prayers at the Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah in the capital. Present with His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik, State dignitaries and the rest of the royal family.
Upon their arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Hj Serudin, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Important Events.
After the prayers, the Aidiladha sermon was delivered by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs. The sermon, among other things that were highlighted, is the Korban Sunat that will be carried out as a manifestation from loyalty to the Sultan and "Walilamri" that the ummah honour and love, that is His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the royal family.
"There is no doubt that it has inspired and influenced every level to follow suit, because of that, there are Korban ceremonies by individuals, as a group through the mosque, department and ministry and no less important Korban ceremonies by the private sector," said the Minister of Religious Affairs during the morning sermon of Hari Raya Aidiladha.
He also said, "Without doubt, all of this is to enliven Hari Raya Aidiladha even though it may not be as joyous as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, once again we are thankful because our heart and mind found the true meaning of the Korban ceremony that is not only for "Bertaqarrub" to be close to Allah but also to spread the religion of Allah that we embrace as our hold on life as a family, society, race and country."
Fourteen goats and 42 cattle were sacrificed in the ceremony of "Ibadah Korban Sunat" for His Majesty, which was held at the parking lot of Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in the capital.
In the ceremony, seven goats were slaughtered and witnessed by His Majesty as well as HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince Abdul Malik. Meanwhile, the rest of Korban animals were slaughtered at the Mulaut Abattoir Sdn Bhd.
More then 200 members of public and foreigners witnessed the Korban ceremony yesterday.
According to the Brunei Islamic Council, the Korban meat will be distributed to 3,834 underprivileged people from four districts.
At the end of the ceremony, a Doa Al-Fatihah was recited to bless the ceremony by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
- Borneo Bulletin
(21st Dec 2007)
