HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to join thousands of congregants in a Doa Kesyukuran (thanksgiving prayer) to mark the monarch’s 67th birthday at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong yesterday.

The thanksgiving prayer was also performed at all mosques, suraus and prayer halls nationwide after the Zohor prayer. The event yesterday was held in lieu of the thanksgiving prayer usually held on the eve of His Majesty’s birthday, due to the observation of the holy month of Ramadhan.

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by the Co-chairmen of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 67th Birthday Celebration, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Home Affairs.

Upon His Majesty’s arrival at the main hall of the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, hundreds of congregants, young and old, lined up and took the golden opportunity to greet and shake hands with the beloved Monarch and the royal entourage.

The royal entourage joined the congregants to perform the mass Zohor prayer led by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

This was followed by the mass Sunnat Hajat prayers led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The event proceeded with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil for His Majesty’s late parents led by the Deputy State Mufti, Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin followed by thanksgiving prayers read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Meanwhile, the sound of 21-gun shots thundered the capital yesterday morning to mark the Monarch’s birthday. The shots were fired from Jalan Elizabeth II by 24 personnel of the Military Police of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

Celebratory dates for His Majesty’s 67th birthday celebrations have been shifted accordingly to respect the holy month of Ramadhan as announced earlier this year. The last occasion where the annual birthday celebrations fell on the holy month of Ramadhan was back in 1980 to 1983.

The Khatam Al-Quran Ceremony by members of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils will be held on August 17 while the Guard of Honour and March Past, the Audience and Investiture Ceremony as well as the State Banquet will take place on September 15. Meanwhile, the much awaited meet and greet sessions across all districts will be held in September. - Borneo Bulletin (16 July 2013)