ASEANews HEADLINES: BRUNEI DARUSSALAM – Sultan urges Brunei to remain vigilant against COVID threats
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Hakim Hayat
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reminded the people to remain vigilant and to continue adhering to health protocols amid the rapid spread of the new COVID-19 variant globally.
In a titah to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha 1442 Hijrah from Istana Nurul Iman, broadcast nationwide yesterday evening, His Majesty said, “Despite Brunei not reporting any local COVID-19 cases for over a year, this is not the time to be complacent, and we should be consistent in practising the ‘Divine Vaccine’ (Vaksin Ketuhanan) as a form of protection.
“We should be grateful to be able to glorify our mosques, suraus, prayer halls, homes and even the whole country with the Takbir and Tahmid in praise of Allah the Almighty from the eve of 10th Zulhijjah until the last hours of the Tasyriq.
“In the current situation, it is imperative to uphold the Takbir and Tahmid, as well as Zikir, so that we become patient and resilient in the face of all situations and trials.
“In this ever-changing world, religious practices are very much needed, although there are those who do not share this view.”
His Majesty said, “Fortunate are those who see it, and unhappy are those who do not. We in Brunei do not want to be among the misguided, and that’s why in overcoming the pandemic from the outset, we welcomed the practice of reciting Zikir and prayers.
“Embracing this ‘Divine Vaccine’ is a religious obligation that should be fulfilled with conviction and patience.
“Conviction and patience are the traits of the prophets and the holy ones, and this is why Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was willing to carry out the commands of Allah the Almighty to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (pbuh). This event is the ultimate example of having faith and patience while enduring trials.”
In concluding the titah, His Majesty said, “My family and I extended our Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to all Muslim citizens and residents. May we always be under the protection of Allah the Almighty.”
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