HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend the national-level Israk Mikraj celebration held yesterday at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in his capacity as the Executive Committee of Islamic Major Events for 1434 Hijrah and other committee members.

Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony 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 Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

The religious ceremony commenced with the recitation of the holy Quran by Awang Mohammad bin Ali, third runner-up in the Tilawah Al-Quran competition in conjunction with the Asean Ihtifal Higher Education Institution 2013 and the meaning of the verses was delivered by Pengiran Haji Asmadi bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Deputy Principal of the Ma’had Islam Brunei.

The ceremony continued with a welcoming remark by Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad who emphasised the special award presentation to religious teachers, which comes in the form of ‘Excellence Award in School Leadership’, ‘Excellence Award in Islamic Education’, ‘Award for Contribution to Islamic Education’ and ‘Award of Distinction’.

According to the minister, the awards were introduced as a recognition to religious teachers who have performed their duties in religious schools, Arabic schools, Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah as well as teachers who teach Islamic Religious Knowledge at secondary, technical, vocational, primary and special institutions.

In his speech, the minister hoped that the award would be a strong incentive to religious teachers for the purpose of motivating educators and together spearhead the national education system as well as be an excellent example and role model by committing themselves to Tarbiyah Islamiyah especially in religion.

This is in order to be able to produce students who will become leaders in the future that will be able to balance the demand of the world and hereafter.

After the welcoming remark, His Majesty delivered a titah which emphasised the importance of performing prayers and Islamic education.

The religious celebration continued with a special lecture delivered by Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Maidin, Istinbat Senior Officer, State Mufti’s Office at the Prime Minister’s Office which went along with the theme of the celebration, ‘Prayer Prevents Wrongdoings’. The event was then followed by a Dikir Diba’ie performed by the students of the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School.

The national celebration of Israk Mikraj came to a close after His Majesty consented to present the awards to the deserving recipients.

The ‘Excellence Award in School Leadership’, was presented to Haji Abd Rahim bin Haji Gantang who received $12,000 cash prize, honour certificate, plaque and souvenir as well as free medical facilities including all expenses paid for first class ward at government hospitals.

As for the ‘Excellent Award in Islamic Education’, five recipients were presented with $7,000 cash prizes, honour certificates, plaques and souvenirs and free medical facilities. They are Hajah Aminah binti Haji Abdul Manap, Hajah Noramalina binti Haji Mohd Ali, Sarimah binti Ahmad, Ismaidi bin Ismail and Narudin bin Lamit.

The ‘Award for Contribution to Islamic Education’ was presented to another two recipients namely Haji Bungsu bin Pudin and Haji Abdul Rani bin Ahmad, who were presented with $5,000 cash prize, honour certificate, plaque, souvenir and also free medical facilities.

The final award, ‘Award of Distinction’, was presented to Ustaz Drs Haji Mustakim bin Haji Sariyun and Cikgu Kho Lay Yong who received $4,000 cash prize, honour certificate, plaque and a souvenir.

The ceremony then ended with a recitation of a Doa Selamat read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. - Borneo Bulletin (7 June 2013)