BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Minister of Religious Affairs yesterday called upon mosque youths to reach out to youth who have fallen victim to social ills and bring them to the right path, as they can better relate to the problems faced by youth of their age

Addressing more than 100 youths, officers and imams during a Hari Raya gathering at his residence in Kampung Jangsak, Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman hoped that the Mosque Youth Programme will unite the youths as a base to generate stronger ties of friendship, cultivate healthy thinking and meaningful activities.

The status of Muslim youths in the eyes of Allah SWT is very high, said the minister.

“Muslims youths are included in one of the seven groups that is under the protection of Allah SWT in the hereafter, where there will be no protection other than that of Allah SWT,” he said.

The minister also spoke of the development of youths in the country. He expressed his happiness that the youths have shown positive interest and are active in various activities such as participating in mosques events and community works.

“What is more encouraging is that we can see the interest of our youths in the field of business and entrepreneurship which has room for expansion in the future,” he said.

He added these interests need to be nurtured, encouraged and supported in order to develop the religion, nation and country.

The minister not only spoke about the positive side of Bruneian youths but also their negative side.

“There is also a small group of youths who like to loiter and are involved in social ills. Even though the number is small, it has the potential to become a virus in the community if not checked,” he said.

“I hope that our mosque youths will not only possess taqwa (to obey the rules of Islam and be God fearing) but also help others to develop themselves.

“If this happens, it is not impossible that our youths will have the opportunity to earn their place in the hierarchy of leadership and administration of our country in the future, in view of our country’s vision to be a Zikir Nation, coupled with the Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB) philosophy and the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah,” he said. YB Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad said the country needs youths who possess Iman (faith), akhlak (moral) and are educated, creative, innovative and brave in the face of challenges, visionary as well as loving to the king, nation, country and religion.

“Youth need to work hard to establish themselves and instil these characters in them, in order to create quality Muslim youth even though the quantity is small. If we have quality youth, we and our country will be respected,”

The Brunei Times