Fasting Muslims Brave Heat And Fatigue To Pray For The Departed
By Husin Ismail

Bandar Seri Begawan - Keeping true to religious tradition, some 1,000 Muslims visited the Subok cemetery at Jalan Residency causing a massive traffic jam as parked cars lined the roads leading to the graveyard.

At the eve of the Ramadan month, Muslims' resting places are one of the most visited in the country.

In recent days, there has been a steady flow of Muslims visiting the cemeteries throughout Brunei Darussalam to ask for Allah's forgiveness for their lost loved ones. Such scenes will continue up until the first three days of Hari Raya as the practice is embedded in the Malay Muslim society.

At the Subok cemetery yesterday, the heat and fatigue did not deter Muslims - young and old, and in the middle of a fasting period - from reciting their prayers. Some of them also used the opportunity to offer sedaqah or alms to children who accompanied their parents and guardians to the cemetery.

It was estimated that the crowds reached more than 1,000. The place brimmed with so many people coming all the way from various districts to offer prayers to their loved ones.

Most Muslim cemeteries in the country will likely remain crowded during daytime until the first three days of the Aidil Fitri festive season. A day after the prayers, it is common for Muslims to pay a visit to the graves of deceased family members.

And like the rest of Bruneians, the members of the Royal Family have started their visits to the Royal Mausoleum to also pay their respects to their loved ones.

The Mausoleum's caretaker told The Brunei Times that it was normal for the Royal Family to visit the place within the last two weeks of Ramadan. "This will continue until the third day of Hari Raya," said the caretaker. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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