By Azlan Othman
His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, yesterday attended the presentation of a premier paper entitled "A Nation of Zikir" delivered by the State Mufti. Also present at the gathering was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz bin Juned, said the survival of the nation and its people rely on prayer, zikir and good deeds of the people. The nation will be blessed if it is economically, socially and defensively oriented towards zikir.
The State Mufti added that zikir is a big "Kalimah" or declaration that is full of purity and comes from Allah as stated in the Quran.
Allah said the Ummah who perform zikir are experts and knowledgeable. For those who recite zikir for Allah, Allah will remember them and they are getting closer to the Almighty.
The State Mufti said a nation of zikir is one, which is oriented towards zikir socially, economically and in defence. If the "Siasah", the economy, society and defence of the nation is inclined towards zikir, then the country will be blessed by Allah.
The State Mufti also urged the people not to question the issue of oil and food subsidy by His Majesty's government that is for the prosperity of the people.
"This is the economic policy of a nation of zikir. Our intention is to give 'Sedekah' or alms. If we continue to give alms, we are free from any calamities. Giving alms is also highly recommended in Syarak," he said. "If we continue to practise zikir's economic policy, the nation will continue to enjoy peace and prosperity."
The State Mufti added that the survival of the Ummah and the nation depends on the 'Doa' or prayer and the religious deeds of the people. He added the nation has already been shown the likes of "Baidatun Tayyibatun Warabbun Ghafuur" (prosperous and peaceful nation and forgiven by Allah) where the nation enjoys peace and prosperity.
The State Mufti called on the audience to uphold it with zikir. A zikir nation is one that is developed, well administered, and protected.
The Knowledge Convention 2008 is currently being held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas to mark the 62nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad, the Deputy Minister of Education cum co-chairman of the steering committee of the Knowledge Convention 2008 said the working committee has invited local specialists and foreign speakers to give contributions towards making the unique seminar a success.
The theme is considered as one of its kind that has never been presented, be it in Asean, Middle East and at the international level.
Experts that will deliver the working papers will analyse the "Nation of Zikir", its definition, principle and impact and how "Zikir" in a broader perspective could be realised in the Bruneian community, be it in education, management, administration, culture, intellectuals, defence, development and so on until such zikir could shape the youth mentally and materially.
Other matters touched include the preparation that the Bruneian community should have and how to realise it.
- Borneo Bulletin
(29th July 2008)