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HIS MAJESTY TAKES TO TASK THOSE MUSLIMS AND OTHERS WHO TRY TO REMOVE BRUNEI’S LIQUOR BAN

Bandar Seri Begawan – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan of Brunei today reminded his people of the dangers of moral decay.

That could happen if the culture of the country’s youths failed to cope adequately with the tide of globalisation, the Brunei ruler warned.

Brunei was one country that practiced Islam, and which had been firm in upholding the divine teachings, His Majesty in a royal address, during the Israk Mekraj celebrations here, added.

Brunei was now not only striving to fully follow the true path in the affairs of the state but was also strictly observing to what is lawful and prohibited in Islam regarding food and drinks.

The sale and serving of alcohol and liquor, for example, have been banned. No licences have been issued to any commercial entities ever since the government imposed the ban many years ago.

It would be an offence for them to consume alcohol in public.

“But despite this many still failed to appreciate and give respect to such noble values,” His Majesty noted.

Liquor and alcohol smuggling activities have become rampant and there were even certain quarters, including the Muslims themselves who tried to pressure the government to relax such rules.

“Islamic faith of some people towards the divine teachings seems to be weakening.

“Many still failed to understand the real purpose of this life and to firmly believe in the Hereafter where everyone of us would end up forever either in Hell or in Heaven,” the ruler declared.

His Majesty emphasized piety as a saviour and that the fortunate ones are those who evaluate their life early.

His Majesty also highlighted the greatness of Islam, which safeguards the sanctity of people and the nation.

His Majesty made the speech this morning at the National Celebrations marking the Israk Mekraj, held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

His Majesty said it is Tak’wah which will decide the person’s future and one is very fortunate if one begins evaluating life early not forgetting there is another life beyond this world.

His Majesty also highlighted the plight of people who had a misconception of the reality of globalisation and thus become misguided adding that the youth are sometimes victimised by that misconception without realizing that their failure is a great loss to the country.

Accompanying His Majesty at the celebrations were His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhatdee Billah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Suffri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

In his address His Majesty said the country always needed healthy and strong youth and if they cannot overcome the negative influences then they will not be able to help or protect the nation.

“This is a matter of great concern,” added His Majesty and present situation indicates that the unhealthy developments are leading the youth to destruction.

His Majesty went on to warn that once the country accepts this improper cultures and influences the security of the nation is violated.

The danger cannot be seen the way one sees the sun rather it is more likened to termites eating away the insides of a piece of wood leaving it soft, fragile and rotten.

His Majesty called on the people especially the relevant authorities to be always on the look out because any unhealthy culture no matter where it comes from is a disease that must be stopped.

His Majesty added the people must fear such unhealthy elements, which can poison the soul of the nation in the same way they fear any other disease.

His Majesty also prayed that today’s celebrations would bring a better meaning and realisation to Muslims everywhere.

His Majesty highlighted that Islam projects life and morality.

Because morality not only safeguards life and property but also the safety of the people and national security.

Upon arrival at the Centre the Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohamad Zain who is the chairman of the executive committee for main events in the Islamic Calendar greeted His Majesty.

The ceremony began with the Quran reading presentation by the Imam of Kampong Tamoi Mosque Awang Haji Daud bin Haji Abdul Kadir.

The Minister of Religious Affairs in his welcoming address touched on welfare programmes and courses carried out by mosques in the country.

The ceremony followed with the poem presentation by students of the Institute of Islamic Studies the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien and the Universiti Brunei Darussalam. It was entitled “ The night journey from Masjid Al Haram to Masjid Al-Aksa”.

A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of prizes to the winners of this year’s Takmir Mosque Awards.

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen

The Mohamad Jamalil Alam Mosque of Kuala Belait won in the main mosque category and the Kampong Bunut Mosque, won in the Mukim mosque category.

The village category was won by the Kampong Sungai Hanching mosque, while the Balai Ibadat of Kampong Singakarai Tutong won the surau and religious mosque category.

In judging the Takmir Mosque for the best mosque awards points are based on three aspects, the way of glorifying, administration and maintenance of the religious facility.

To bless the occasion doa-selamat was read by the state mufti Pehin dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Aziz.

Apart from carrying out welfare activities mosques in this country are also not left behind in the field of information technology.

At present some mosques and religious halls operate computer classes and have their own websites.

The mosques also holds programmes for youths such as the Mosque Youth Group and Youth Committees and the Mosque Foster Child programme.

The purpose is to educate and to get the youth closer to the mosque with deeper responsibility and to stir them away from negative activities.

It also hopes to avoid the misconception that a mosque is only for the elderly and for prayers alone.

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