HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said yesterday that those who see Allah the Almighty’s laws as cruel and outdated are ignorant of Islam.

In a titah to mark the New Year 1435 Hijrah broadcast nationwide over radio and television last night, His Majesty said that the claims of outsiders that Allah the Almighty’s laws are cruel and outdated are not true.

As Muslims, we uphold human rights with the Al-Quran as our foothold, the monarch said.

“We will not change it and will not neglect its (Islamic) teachings. We take seriously the decrees of Allah the Almighty.

“We choose Islam as a step to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty, not to persecute or oppress anyone.

“Islam does not allow oppression … but protects people’s dignity. Hence, Islam prohibits slander and tarnishing the image of others.”

His Majesty said, “We are thankful to Allah the Almighty that we are able to welcome 1435 Hijrah in peace, harmony and prosperity”.

The theme for the New Year 1435 Hijrah celebration this year, “To embrace the Hijrah vision” is timely, His Majesty said. One of the visions is to uphold the words of Allah the Almighty and to carry out the laws of Allah the Almighty.

“Allah the Almighty’s laws are not carried out by bad people but by ‘good people’ or the best (people).”

His Majesty, on behalf of the royal family, conveyed greetings for the New Year 1435 Hijrah and hoped that the citizens and residents of the country would remain under the protection of Allah the Almighty and be showered with blessings in the form of peace and prosperity. - Borneo Bulletin (5 November 2013)