BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE MINISTRY of Defence (MinDef) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday celebrated the new Hijrah year 1436 with a mass_ Subuh _prayer, special religious lecture and recital of Ratib Al-Attas yesterday morning.

Present as the guest of honour was the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah.

The early morning event was held at the Ministry of Defence Surau at the Bolkiah Garisson, Jalan Airport Lama. About 300 attendees were present during the event, comprised of members of Defence Executive Committee as well as senior officers and personnel from the MinDef and the RBAF.

The event started straight after the call for Subuh (dawn) prayers, followed with mass Subuh prayer, and then a special religious talk delivered by Ustaz Hj Mail Hj Besar from Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI).

The ceremony was held to appreciate the historical event of Hijrah by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions and to honour their courage and patience in overcoming the many challenges they faced in carrying out the trust given by Allah (SWT) throughout the migration from Mekah to Madinah.

The talk also hoped that the attendees would be inspired by the Hijrah of the prophet to better their unity and working culture, especially in the defence and military institutions.

The event concluded with a recital of Ratib Al-Attas, which is a type of zikir that comprises a collection of selected verses, in which some of the benefits of reciting it includes asking for protection, blessings and prosperity for oneself, as well as the nation from any unwanted elements.

According to a statement by ministry, the new Hijrah year 1436 celebrations were also held simultaneously at all suraus in all RBAF garrisons and camps, including in Bangar and Pulau Baru-Baru.

The Brunei Times