| Siti Hajar |
WITH the Muslim world celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha today, 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, in a titah to mark the Feast of Sacrifice, called upon the people to continue to sacrifice in the form of religious rituals in the name of Allah the Almighty.
His Majesty said sacrifices through religious devotion are considered the holiest and for those who sacrifice in the name of Allah the Almighty, the monarch reminded that they shall receive blessings in the hereafter.
“As we sacrifice voluntarily,” the monarch said in reference to the sacrificing of animals during Hari Raya Aidiladha, “let us also sacrifice through other means in particular through our obligatory rituals.”
As the monarch noted that acts of sacrifice are not easy feats except for those who are deemed exceptional, those with big hearts and are pious such as Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) who was willing to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (pbuh), His Majesty emphasised that the role of faith is a detrimental factor in an individual’s willingness to sacrifice be it in the form of body and soul dedicated to Allah the Almighty and property.
“Religious obligations, without doubt, are a form of sacrifice. These are made through the body and soul that brims with confidence and patience,” said His Majesty, pointing out that many are not committed to performing their religious duties – something the monarch considers a sign of unwillingness to sacrifice for, or in the name of, Allah the Almighty.
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 delivering the titah. – INFOFOTO
The lack of devotion, pointed out His Majesty, stems from the lack of faith and those who are not confident are those who have no inner strength and this inadequacy makes it difficult for an individual to perform any significant task including devotion to Allah the Almighty, which His Majesty said is the pinnacle of all significant tasks.
“It requires patience and sacrifice,” explained His Majesty such as the act of praying of which the Al-Quran points as being the most onerous except for those who are devout.
“As Muslims, devotion to Allah the Almighty means we have sacrificed for him and this sacrifice will be rewarded with blessings. Any form of religious duty is a considered sacrifice,” His Majesty reminded.
“Lest we forget that we are duty-bound to carry out our religious obligations. Those who fail to perform their religious duties will have their fate determined by Allah the Almighty.”
Meanwhile, His Majesty also expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for keeping safe the Bruneians currently in the Holy Land performing the Haj following devastating news that resulted in loss of lives and His Majesty also took the opportunity to extend his condolences to those who have been affected by the tragedy.
“We pray that the souls of the departed are blessed by Allah the Almighty.”
In concluding the titah, His Majesty and the royal family wished Bruneian Muslims at home and abroad a Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha and expressed hope that the people of Brunei continue to be blessed and protected by Allah the Almighty.
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