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To Do Good And Shun Evil Is Jihad
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday urged the Ummah not to get carried away by the wave of modernisation and urged them to be cautious in selecting the path to making progress which must be in accordance to the guidelines set by Allah the Almighty.

His Majesty also pointed to the true meaning of ‘jihad' or the holy war, which is to do good and shun the evil, that is manifested in the Israk Mikraj.

His Majesty, who delivered his titah at the national Israk Mikraj celebration for 1426 Hijrah yesterday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, added that it is important for us to choose the correct way that would mean lasting benefits.

"We must not select a path which looks right fromthe outside but in reality is inappropriate and could lead to negative consequences that are hard to erase.

"In the context of getting things right in life, one should not neglect to purify one's heart and mind-by remembering Allah. One of the ways is through `Isthikamah', by performing prayers and reading the Quran.

This should be taught to our children and family members and be a good example to others," the Sultan said.

Touching on the Israk Mikraj, His Majesty said the event is not folklore or an amusing story or a story created by somebody. It shows the greatness of Allah, and which actually happened that shows Allah's might in a test on one's faith to mankind.

"It sends a clear message that a faithful Muslim would gain victory while those who fail to abide (by the teachings) would receive punishment in the hereafter.

"What is certain is that such tests are faced by Muslims who uphold truth in this world. It is not an easy task as people's instincts lean towards materialism rather than to the rewards in the hereafter.

"Herein lies the true meaning of `jihad' or holy war, as translated in the Israk Mikraj. The mission is to nurture oneself to carry out good deeds and reject wrongdoings. This is the greatest holy war. It will not jeopardise anyone," said His Majesty.

The ruler also called on his subjects to stay away from wrong-doings and evil ways as the consequence from the resultant sins would last forever.

Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty was earlier greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Dr. Ustaz Hj Awg Mohd Zain and other executive committee members.

The celebration- began with the reading of the Quran by Awg Mohd Fahmie, the winner of the Quran reading competition for Southeast Asian youth in 2003 and the first runner-up at the National adult Quran reading competition this year.

A religious talk was also delivered by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Badaruddin followed by the prize presentation for exemplary religious schools in 1426 Hijrah.

Tumpuan Telisai Religious School, Tutong was declared the winner. PAP Azeemah Nikmatul Bolkiah Religious School, Brunei II, was the first runner-up, while the second runner-up was PAP Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah Religious School in Belait.

Two consolation prizes went to PAP Norain Religious School in Tutong and Penanjong Religious School. The theme for this year's event is "Unity towards empowering a pious community”. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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