BRUNEI-MUARA

DISTANCING oneself away from zikir or neglecting to practise zikir would be a waste for Muslims, said the State Mufti in his dawn lecture yesterday.

Zikir, which is the chanting of the greatness of Allah (SWT), is far greater than Fisabilillah (in the cause of Allah), said Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned.

Speaking of zikir in his lecture at the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kg Sungai Akar yesterday, the state mufti said, “Zikir is mighty. Zikir is great. Even Jihad (struggle) and Sedekah (alms-giving) is no comparison to zikir.”

Citing a hadith, the state mufti pointed out that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said there is no greater deed that can be done by the children of Prophet Adam (AS) that can save them from the wrath of Allah (SWT) besides zikir to Allah (SWT).

If jihad itself can lead the path to heaven, then imagine the benefits that zikir has to offer.

“That is why the vision of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the country to become a Zikir Nation is one of powerful idea,” the state mufti said.

A Zikir Nation is one that upholds Allah (SWT)’s laws, has good moral values among its citizens as well as in its approach to other countries.

He went on to explain that if all the Muslims in the country can become members of the Zikir Nation especially Zikir Istighfar (in search of forgiveness from Allah), they can reap the benefits of the world and hereafter.

“This blessing is already prepared by Allah (SWT) and handed to us,” said the state mufti.

In spite of the drizzling rain, more than 150 Muslims showed up in the early hours of the morning to attend the state mufti’s lecture featured after the Subuh prayer. Among those in attendance were residents of Kg Sungai Akar and members of Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College.

The Brunei Times