HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined thousands of congregants to perform Sunnat Aidiladha prayers before leading a Korban ceremony at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

The Sultanate marked the Hari Raya Aidiladha festivities with Aidiladha prayers held in mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide, followed by sacrificial rites ceremonies held in various locations.

The Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah was the focal point of the Aidiladha celebration.

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, who is also the Chairman of the Executive Committee for Islamic Religious Events for 1434 Hijrah as well as other committee members.

Leading the congregation of Sunnat Hari Raya Aidiladha prayers was Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

This was followed by a two-part sermon delivered by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

Following the mass Sunnat prayers, His Majesty and other members of the royal family mingled with hundreds of congregants at the mosque before proceeding to perform sacrificial rites on seven goats contributed by His Majesty and the royal family.

As an annual tradition to mark the occasion, His Majesty and the royal family contributed the sacrificial livestock where portions of the meat are distributed evenly to the less fortunate nationwide.

This year’s total contribution amounted to 14 goats and 54 cattle.

The ceremony held at the compound of the mosque began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

His Majesty later led the sacrificial rites on the first goat and witnessed the rites performed by HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Following the sacrificial rites, His Majesty consented to present portions of the sacrificial meat to 20 selected recipients among the less fortunate from the Brunei-Muara District.

The rest of the sacrificial livestock contributions were slaughtered at the Mulaut Abattoir and portions of the sacrificial meat were distributed to a total of 2,497 less fortunate individuals in separate events across all districts yesterday, presided by their respective district officers.

A Tausyeh performance from officers of the Islamic Studies Department enlivened the event and to bless the ceremony, a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Aidiladha is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (pbuh) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah the Almighty. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Zulhijjah in the Muslim calendar. - Borneo Bulletin (17 October 2013)