Tasawwur Islami closing ceremony
By Jon Tampoi

The Tasawwur Islami programme ended yesterday with a closing ceremony held at the multi purpose hall, Jame Asri Mosque, Gadong. The three-day programme was organised by the Mosque Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs and participated by youths aged between nine and 15 years old from around the country.

Attending the closing ceremony as the guest of honour was Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abd Rahman bin Hj Mohiddin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In his speech, the guest of honour underscored a quote by Imam Haakim and Al Baihaqi from Ibnu Abbas Radiallahu anhu that the prophet mentioned to take advantage of the five chances in life that are, living before dying, being healthy before being ill, being free before being busy, being young before becoming old and wealth before becoming poor.

Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abd Rahman added that youths today should take full advantage of time and use it properly for education, boosting their faith, Taqwa (obedience), Makruf (goodness) and avoiding ill activities, as human beings were created to be leaders on this earth. In a national context, youths are the next generation of leaders and represent the continuation of present leaders. If today's youths receive excellent guidance, up bringing and proper Islamic education, they will become strong leaders of Islamic ummah in the future, he added.

Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abd Rahman said the programme was useful and suitable for youths not only as a way to fill their time during school holidays, but the beneficial activities would also enhance their leadership skills and increase their religious knowledge.

The guest of honour also presented certificates to participants. Also present at the closing ceremony were Deputy of Mosque Affairs Department, Pg Hj Bahrom bin Pg Hj Bahar, who was also chairman of the programme, educators and guides of the programme, participants as well as officers of Jame Asri Mosque.

The programme featured a host of Islamic activities for the youths. This is the second year that such an event was held with different themes each year. Among the main objectives of the programme are to create physical and spiritual awareness for youths, encouraging them to be role models, boosting their faith and education, increasing the love of al-Quran and putting it into practice, as well as encouraging leadership and patriotism. During the programme, the youths were exposed to various activities and religious materials and were guided by a number of elected tutors.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin