His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam personally contributed 46 cows and 14 goats for the Korban - or 'Feast of Sacrifice' - ceremony yesterday to mark the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration that was held at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Kiarong.

The monarch, who is also the spiritual leader of Islam in the Sultanate, began the Korban ceremony by carrying out the sacrificial rites on the first goat himself. After that, six other goats were duly sacrificed which His Majesty bore witness to.

Two of the monarch's sons, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen also performed the sacrificial rites.

The sacrificial meat was then promptly prepared and portioned evenly, before His Majesty personally handed over the portions to 20 selected members of the less fortunate community.

This year, the total number of meat distributed nationwide were to 4,048 selected recipients - out of which 2,539 were from Brunei-Muara District, 571 in Tutong, 554 in Belait and 364 in Temburong.

A doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, to bless the auspicious occasion.

Earlier yesterday morning, His Majesty had joined thousands of his subjects to perform the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers. Other Aidiladha prayers were also carried out simultaneously in all mosques and prayer halls throughout the country.

The monarch was accompanied yesterday by two of his sons His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen and two of his brothers, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

The Hari Raya Aidiladha sermon was delivered by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.

Also present at the ceremony were state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, as well as other special guests and members of the public. - Borneo Bulletin (29th November 2009)