BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) celebrated Hari Raya Aidil Fitri at its campus yesterday.

In a speech, UNISSA Rector Dr Hj Norarfan Hj Zainal encouraged members and students of the institution to seize the opportunity to apologise and ask for forgiveness between each other

“Forgiveness is important because, as mere human beings, we are not immune to committing mistakes and blunders,” he said.

“Apologies can be made at any time and not necessarily just at one moment in a year but doing so in the month of Syawal, it feels more meaningful as Hari Raya is the celebration for Muslims all around the world.”

The rector said a strong relationship between members of UNISSA is important to generate ideas that can build human capital and generate UNISSA’s development to achieve its vision of becoming a “pure Islamic university”.

He said strengthening the ukhuwah (brotherhood) not only fosters a great team identity but is also viewed highly upon by Allah (STW).

“An ukhuwah that is united and in harmony can shape a great and highly motivated team. This can produce a working spirit that is based on togetherness and pure sincerity in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities towards empowering the UNISSA we love,” he said.

Dr Hj Norarfan also said all personal interests should be put aside and the interests of the university must be prioritised.

UNISSA in a statement said the celebration was held to strengthen relations with UNISSA’s undergraduates, enliven Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and ask for forgiveness.

Also present were Deputy Rector of UNISSA Dr Hj Mohd Hussain Pehin Penyurat Hj Ahmad and Assistant Rector Dr Arman Hj Asmad.

The Brunei Times