His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family yesterday performed Maghrib and Isyak prayers at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in conjunction with the 29th National Day of Brunei Darussalam.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah.

The event began with mass Maghrib prayer led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awg Hj Salim bin Hj Besar, and was followed by Sunnat Hajat prayer to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty for the country and the people of Brunei Darussalam.

Later, a recitation of Surah Yaasiin was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Awg Suhaili bin Hj Mohiddin, while the thanksgiving prayer was read by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

The congregation then performed mass Isyak prayer led by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Hamid bin Bakal. The National Day prayers were performed simultaneously in various mosques across the country.

Brunei Darussalam will celebrate its 29th National Day at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital today. - Borneo Bulletin (23 February 2013)