As Muslims we should be grateful for His Majesty's ruling as this will make our beloved nation more blessed by Allah the Almighty for respecting Friday prayers, which does not happen every day.

When the announcement of closing shops on Friday was made I felt grateful to Allah the Almighty for giving the hidayah or guidance to our ruler as this will not only bless our country more but also solve the loitering issue as well as the other long-standing issues of Muslim staff not being given permission to attend Friday prayers by respective employers.

It is understood when there- a new rule is announced it is not easy for everyone to make changes to their routine habits but we must learn to adapt to the new ruling by reorganising our time. My suggestion is either one prepares takeaway food While having breakfast on Friday or eats a heavy breakfast and delay having lunch. For a Muslims this is not a burden as we are used to fasting - we refrain from eating for almost 12 hrs and this is just for two hours. I believe the non-Muslims could arrange booking takeaway food just for Fridays. This is the time for others to respect Brunei's own unique way by not comparing with other nations as we have our own ideology ie MIB.

This year's celebration of Hijrah 1434 is themed 'Umat Bertaqwa Negara Berkat' or 'Pious People, Nation of Blessings', so let's support our ruler and our beloved religion Islam. As for me this is the chance for us to practise our beliefs in our Abode of Peace.