Bandar Seri Begawan - The Aidiladha sermon yesterday morning touched on the importance of maintaining peace and prosperity by way of being prudent with the 'nikmat' and 'rezeki' from Allah the Almighty.

"Brunei is peaceful and prosperous with its citizens living harmoniously, thanks to blessings from the religion and our gratitude toward 'nikmat' and 'rezeki' bestowed by Allah the Almighty," Imams said in the Aidiladha sermon. "We should appreciate the 'nikmat' and 'rezeki' from Allah the Almighty by spending it wisely and without wastage. We should also think of how we can stretch it and give it added value."

In the context of nationhood and the monarchy, gratitude towards 'nikmat' and 'rezeki' would be in developing the nation and its people. This can be obtained by distributing prosperity in education, health, community, building infrastructure, public safety, defence and territorial integrity without neglecting to protect and uphold the importance of Islam as the official religion.

In upholding the peace and prosperity Brunei has to produce a generation that believes strongly in these blessings. The future generation should be equipped with Islamic education formally or informally and, at the same time, should master the teachings.

The latest example is through upholding His Majesty's vision delivered during the recent titah with regards to ensuring all Bruneian Muslim children must have Islamic studies as one of the core subjects in the national education system.

The sermon also touched on intending Haj pilgrims who were denied the chance to perform the Haj this year, as the number had exceeded the maximum allowed figure of 400 pilgrims.

"Although this is a big disappointment to them, it is hoped the affected individuals will be patient in facing such torment, as, in performing the Haj, you are only Allah the Almighty's guest and to get His blessings for specified Haj seasons. Face these challenges calmly. Everything happens for a reason as Allah the Almighty is wiser," the Imams said in the Aidiladha sermon.