BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ISLAM highly encourages a halal relationship between a Muslim man and woman though nikah (solemnisation of marriage) as marriage is the sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Imams reminded worshippers in yesterday’s Friday sermon at all mosques and religious halls nationwide by reiterating the Al-Quran Surah Al-Rum, Verse 21, that Allah SWT made every creature in pairs and it is one of His greatest blessings to His creatures.

Citing an account from a hadith as narrated by Imam Ibn Majah, Imams said Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “Marriage is my sunnah, whoever disregards my (sunnah) path is not from among us.”

Hence, marriage is encouraged as in it lies a lot of wisdom, such as safeguarding one’s moral value and respect, strengthening silaturrahim (relations) with fellow Muslims and put us to peace in carrying out our ibadah (act of worship) to Allah SWT.

Marriage will also ensure preservation of the human species and continuation of the human race, apart from providing spiritual, physical, emotional and psychological companionship. This companionship generates and sustains love, kindness, compassion, mutual confidence, solace and succour (sakinah).

On that matter, imams added that it was an increasing trend to hold nikah ceremonies at the mosques, which is encouraged by Islam. The trend is regarded as a good and noble practice as mosques are not only a place of worship but it will also help the place to prosper.

“As nikah (marriage) is encouraged in Islam, therefore it is appropriate that the ceremony is held at honourable places such as the mosque, so as the marriage will be blessed and protected by Allah SWT,” called Imams.

However, imams also reminded couples and their family members as well as invited guests that they must observe decent behaviour and good etiquette when they are inside the mosques.

Attendees must cover their aurat (limitations of body parts that should not be exposed according to Islam).

The brides and female guests who are in haid (menstruation period) are to avoid entering the mosques as it is decreed haram (forbidden according to Islam) to do so.

Meanwhile, imams also called worshippers to take part in offering prayers for the upcoming royal wedding between His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Dayangku Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pengiran Hj Bolkiah on April 12.

The highlight of the event will be the Majlis Istiadat Bersanding Pengantin Diraja, when the royal couple will be seated on a special dais in front of their families and invited guests at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana of Istana Nurul Iman.

The Brunei Times