His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday evening attended thanksgiving prayers at the Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Kampong Kiarong.

The event began at around 5.45pm with the arrival of the working committee members and members of the public, followed by state dignitaries and VIP guests.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof, Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin, and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin greeted His Majesty upon arrival.

His Majesty was accompanied by 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 Azim, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

The mass Maghrib prayer was led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim. This was followed by a Sunat Hajat prayer led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Salim bin Hai Besar.

A recital of surah yassin and tahlil was also held led by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman.

Meanwhile, a doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Setia Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal then led worshippers in a mass Isyak prayer.

The annual religious tradition was held in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday celebrations. - Borneo Bulletin (15th July 2009)