Similar to other countries, Brunei Darussalam celebrates Hari Raya 'Idil Adha with the calls of takbir and tahmid. The celebration began with the Sunat Aidil Adha prayer at all mosques, surau and religious halls nationwide. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joined the country's citizens and residents in performing the Sunat 'Idil Adha prayer at Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong, yesterday morning.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs as Chairman of the Islamic Major Events Celebration 1442 Hijrah Executive Committee as well as members of the Ceremony's Executive Committee. Also in attendance were His Majesty's sons and brother; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The Sunat Hari Raya 'Idil Adha prayer was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat in the first sermon said that as the muslim ummah, we should emulate the strong faith and patience of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail Allaihisalam in facing trials and tribulations. This year, the country has postponed the haj pilgrimage to Makkah Al-Mukaramah. The decision was made based on security issues and concerns regarding the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic. The safety measures are in line with a hadith of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam on avoiding harm to oneself or others. The prohibition on performing the Haj should be seen as a test on the ummah be accepted with patience.
Meanwhile, the second sermon explained that the sacrificial rites carried out, is not only as a religious deed to gain rewards but also to inculcate mahmudah or praiseworthy characteristics. The sacrifice teaches people to be pious and close to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, supress greed and inculcate generosity by spending in the name of Allah, develop sincerity in performing religious deeds as well as gratitude to Allah Subhananhu wata'ala. It also teaches one to be compassionate towards others.
Even though the world is still facing the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunei Darussalam with Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala's blessings is able to celebrate Hari Raya 'Idil Adha in the new normal.
Source: Radio Television Brunei