| Aziz Idris |
THE Sultanate staged a joyous procession through the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan in remembrance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday or Maulud Nabi yesterday with banners raised high, coupled with the beautiful recitation of Selawat as a sign of faithfulness to the Prophet (pbuh).
In 2015, Muslims around the world celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) twice, first on January 3 this year for 1436 Hijrah based on the Islamic calendar, and yesterday for the year 1437 Hijrah.
The national-level celebrations at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien saw participation from all walks of life – donning the customary ‘Cara Melayu’ – including three-year-old Alai Ijad, the youngest among all the procession. He joined along with his family members from Pertubuhan Zaidana; previous winner of the Maulud Nabi gathering and procession competition.
According to Zainidi bin Haji Zainin, one of the family members, Pertubuhan Zaidana has participated in the procession since the late 1980’s and has been actively engaged in religious activities prior to yesterday’s march.
He commented that “the competition demonstrates the love towards our Prophet through a well organised and orderly procession” and such efforts should be continuous in order to appeal to the younger generations.
Participation from the Pakistani Community in Brunei
Foreign lecturers from UNISSA participating in the procession
Indonesian Community Association in Brunei Darussalam (PERMAI) participants wearing the traditional Indonesian batik
Three-year-old Alai Ijad, the youngest participant at yesterday’s procession. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS
Also participating in this year’s procession were members from the Indonesian Community Association in Brunei Darussalam (PERMAI) donning black and white traditional Indonesian batik.
Hamzah Radjab, Secretary General of PERMAI admitted that the competition adds more meaning to the celebrations as a whole but the most important part of Maulud Nabi has not changed.
“Remembering the Prophet (pbuh), his excellent deeds, teachings and wisdom, all of which are characteristics that help prevent people from getting entangled in a web of sin,” he added.
Meanwhile, foreign lecturers from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) praised Brunei for organising a ‘unique’ Maulud Nabi celebration which was led by 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 together with members of the royal family.
For Associate Professor Dr Arif from Egypt, the celebrations of Maulud Nabi were rooted deep in its history. “(In Egypt) Public squares were decorated for the occasion.
“Tents were set up to recite Selawat and the retelling of the Prophet’s (pbuh) journey, and there were games for children and specially-made sweets (a doll made of sugar wrapped in coloured paper) – a tradition that still lives on,” he explained.
He went on to say that His Majesty leading the procession symbolises the strong Islamic faith of the country and serves as a good example for Brunei in the Muslim world.
Dr Arif was accompanied by his colleagues from Syria and Mali, who also shared the same sentiment.
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