HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said that if there is a certain view or opinion on religious matter, considered in conflict with the official view or opinion of the government, then it should not be voiced out or published without referring it to the relevant authorities, to avoid certain unwelcome risks and outcomes.

His Majesty said this in a titah at the finals of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults 1434H/2013M held last night at the International Convention Centre.

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, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty said that Brunei has never fallen behind in matters of respecting the freedom to write and voice one’s opinion.

However, His Majesty said, as in any other places, Brunei also has its own laws and constitutions, stressing that in the constitution it is stated “Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah according to Mazhab Syafe’i”.

His Majesty urged that all are required to understand this matter, including the media.

His Majesty said that it is also important to understand that al-Quran has its special characteristics as a book of revelation. His Majesty added, “This is why when we use the Quran, we are required to fulfil certain ethics, for example, when we recite it. Similarly, when interpreting it, we are required to interpret based on knowledge and not just relying solely on thoughts.”

The monarch added that an interpreter must have in them the required knowledge in interpre-ting the Quran and the knowledge of the hadith. His Majesty said that this can be acquired by learning from a teacher and not by taking things entirely from books and Internet only.

The ruler explained that books and the Internet are considered not enough because there still exist a lot of vagueness and some are not even mentioned at all.

His Majesty said matters which are not unclear and not cited will be described and mentioned by teachers.

“This is the importance of learning through a teacher as there are benefits. This is different from just relying on books or the Internet where people can make a mistake or misconceive,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty said reciting the Quran through “berterannum” is one of the Islamic arts and added that it can bring about devotion and greatness to both readers and the listeners.

His Majesty said that this is the effect of reading the Quran. Reciting it with intentions towards Allah the Almighty will provide peace and happiness. His Majesty also said that it is also a remedy or medicine spiritually or physically with Allah the Almighty’s will.

Touching on reading the Quran through “berterannum”, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Department of Islamic Studies under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has established special classes for this purpose such as Tilawah Al-Quran for Youths, which has borne fruit with the appearance of new young Qari and Qariah.

“Such an effort is aimed at further increasing Qari and Qariah experts in the field of reciting the Quran. We are always invited to take part in the Quran reading or memorising competitions overseas,” said His Majesty. Therefore in this regard, His Majesty urged it is about time for the nation to fulfil those needs.

In concluding his titah, His Majesty expressed his gratitude to the participants in all levels of the competition as well as the finalists who had achieved victory and had earned a place to represent the country at the Musabaqah Tilawah Al-Quran International Level Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. - Borneo Bulletin (19 April 2013)