Mosques’ Crucial Role In National Development
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei underlined the importance of mosques' role in initiating the development of an individual and its contribution in nation building.

In delivering his titah while officiating the opening ceremony of the inaugural Seminar on Mosque Institution to mark the monarch's birthday celebration yesterday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, His Majesty spelt out the role of mosques.

"By God's will, mosques could assist and turn problematic youths to become a quality asset and could also produce a literate community. Hence it is appropriate for mosques to have such. ideas," the Sultan said.

His Majesty added it is his desire to see mosques play their role in the country's development as mosques are religious institutions - `house of Allah '. In development, we are in need of guidance to move forward and the way to get one is through religious guidance. Mosques are an ideal source for such enlightenment.

His Majesty also said that mosques are very crucial in the daily life of the Muslims and added the theme selected this year - "Masjid Wadah Kepimpinan Raja" or Mosque, as a platform for Monarch's Leadership - is highly appropriate.

"When he first entered Medina, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) constructed a mosque, not a house. This indicates the importance of a mosque. It means that a nation and a government will not stand unless there's a mosque, according to the Islamic perspective," the monarch added.

His Majesty announced that starting this year, a knowledge-oriented ceremony will become one of the major events to mark the monarch's birthday celebration.

"I hope that such an event organised by the Prime Minister's Office will truly be able to generate a sense of knowledge and spirit among the citizens and residents.

"It is also crucial for a ceremony like this to be given more space in the national celebrations. Not only will it become a new platform to be experienced but more importantly becomes a centre for excellence for the Ummah," the Sultan said.

"A nation is considered great if it possesses knowledge. We should not' neglect knowledge. If we do so, the nation and the people will miss a great opportunity for glory and excellence."

His Majesty also hoped that the seminar would be able to discuss mosque matters and come up with an important blueprint or outcome to become a guide, in the event there are other related matters left unnoticed. His Majesty also hoped that the participants would have the right approach based on knowledge to get Allah's blessings.

Also present at the inaugural ceremony were His Royal Highness the Crown. Prince Pg. Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted on arrival by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Adanan; State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hi Awg Abdul Aziz; Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Dani, and members of the steering committee.

Earlier the co-chairman ofthe steering committee, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Dani, underlined the objectives of organising a knowledge-oriented ceremony to mark His Majesty's 58th birthday celebration, as a symbol of the monarch's determination based on the Quran and Prophet's leadership, to initiate thinking towards mosque as a platform for the nation and to enhance awareness on the role of mosques in upgrading life. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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