BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Islamic exhibition at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas received more than 3000 visitors over the three-day period, said the Assistant Head of Religious Special Education during the last day of the exhibition yesterday.

The exhibition was officially opened by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on May 16 during the celebration of Isra’ Mikraj.

The exhibition was conducted by the Islamic Studies Department (JPI) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Assistant Head of Religious Special Education, Hjh Normadiah Hj Bini, when interviewed by The Brunei Times said that they are able to distribute more than 3000 prayer booklets to visitors.

She also commented on the issue of Muslims referring to internet sources for Islamic studies.

“The public should not rely on the internet sources when it comes to religious study. They should refer to responsible parties such as imams and religious teachers under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). She also said that the information given from the portal may not be reliable and invalid. “It’s dangerous for Muslims to refer to unknown resources on the internet. We encourage the public to come to any Islamic exhibition in the future if they have important questions in regards to Islam. The officials will do their best to give the right answers to them.”

Seventeen booths with different presentations were set up for public to gain knowledge of proper praying methods on ablution, tayammum and so on.

One of the visitors, Shahrul Azmi Hj Abd Mulok told The Brunei Times that the Islamic exhibition is necessary to be conducted as it’s an alternative way to educate people in the sultanate. “It seems simple, but the closer I get the more I see and know. From this exhibition, I gained something and perhaps I can share some knowledge to my family or friends, they might need some answers,” said Shahrul Azmi.

Beside prayers, the exhibition also set up 'Al-Fatihah Clinic' for public to refine their Quranic recitation.

The Brunei Times