His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam stressed that amid the need to expedite the approval process for Halal certification and permit, it must be done meticulously and orderly to ensure that certification is in full compliance with the Syari'e (Islamic law).

His Majesty highlighted this matter in a titah during the National-Level Nuzul Al-Quran Ceremony 1437H last night at the International Convention Centre.

His Majesty reminded that the teachings of AI-Quran include matters concerning food considered Halal and Haram which are also clarified by the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Islamic scholars.

"I was made to understand that our, effort now is towards expediting the approval process of Halal certification applications and permits," His Majesty said. "This step is rational for administration purposes, but in matters related to Halal and Haram, it is not rational in taking the quick path. It must be done orderly and meticulously based on the principal that is truly Syar'ie and not just for the sake of popularising the certification."

His Majesty reminded that the laws governing Halal and Haram are separate and that it needs people who are truly knowledgeable on the matter.

His Majesty raised his concern that Brunei should not become like other places where there are frequent cases of divergence and breaches of Hukum (Islamic principle / law) committed by  food and business establishments.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty said that it has been the tradition of the country to commemorate Nuzul Al-Quran every 17th day in the month of Ramadhan as well as in other places in the world.

"My government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, is tireless making efforts to bring the local Islamic community closer to Al-Quran by including the subject in every curriculum for government and private primary schools until the tertiary level of education and by opening Al-Quran study classes in mosques, suraus and prayer halls including adult classes. This matter is implemented to ensure the Islamic community in the country will always hold on to Al-Quran for guidance," His Majesty said.

In the titah, His Majesty also highlighted that the government has shortened the working hours for the holy month of Ramadhan from 7.45am until 4.30pm to 8am until 2pm to facilitate and provide comfort to those committed to their fasting obligation.

His Majesty highlighted the theme of this year's Nuzul Al-Quran celebration ceremony; 'Al-Quran - An Antidote for Spiritual and Physical Ailments', saying that it is very suitable reminder to frequently read and implement the teachings of the Al-Quran.

The event, which is held annually on the 17th day of Ramadhan, seeks to commemorate the day when the words of the Qur'an were first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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