Royalty at international religious seminar
By Rokiah Mahmud

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to officiate the opening ceremony of the International Seminar on "The Teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Faith" held in conjunction with the 25th Silver Jubilee celebration of the Islamic Dakwah Centre.

Upon arrival at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas, His Majesty was greeted by Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The ceremony commenced with the recital of al-Quran verses by Ak Mohd Adibul Amin bin Pengiran Haji Marzuki, the Qari champion of the National Adult Quran Reading Competition 1431 Hijrah.

Under the theme "The Teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah Faith: Moderation & Reinforce", a total of nine working papers will be presented by invited speakers from the Sultanate and other countries such as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Some 1,200 people, including representatives of MABIM, government and private agencies, associations and higher learning institutions, are attending the seminar.

The international seminar on the teaching of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah was the second of its kind organised by the Islamic Dakwah Centre. A similar seminar was held 25 years ago in conjunction with the establishment of the Islamic Dakwah Centre on September 16, 1985.

His Majesty then consented to view a documentary presentation on developments and achievements of the Islamic Dakwah Centre over the past 25 years.

A prime working paper entitled "The Teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Unites the Ummah" was also delivered by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, yesterday.

Following the opening of the seminar, His Majesty and other members of Royal family consented to tour an exhibition.

The seminar is in line with His Majesty's vision of transforming the Sultanate as a 'Zikir Nation'. - Borneo Bulletin (30th March 2011)


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