Use prayers as 'spiritual weapons' to fight off H1N1 outbreak: HM

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday stressed the importance of using prayers, doa, zikir as "spiritual weapons" to combat the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in the country.

During the meeting with ministers and senior government officials at the National Disaster Management Centre, the monarch spoke of how the country has used normal means, as advised by the health authorities, to deal with the pandemic thus far.

However, His Majesty pointed out that as an Islamic country, Brunei was not doing enough to tap into the advantages of religion to ward off the spread of infection. Doa, Qunut Nazila and Sunat Hajat prayers were among the arsenal which should be utilised, His Majesty added.

"We all know that these means are very important (and) that is why we do it," His Majesty said. "They constitute as the spiritual weapons which are encouraged by religion; the more prayers, zikir and Sunat Hajat (we offer to Allah SWT), the better."

Considering the scenario that if we lose the capability to control the spread of infection, should physical means become ineffective as the number of cases continue to rise, would it not be appropriate if these spiritual efforts are increased further, His Majesty asked.

Despite this, the benevolent ruler noted that it did not seem that efforts were being made in this direction. His Majesty observed that the Sunat Hajat prayers, which take place prior to the Friday prayers, was not receiving the response that is hoped for.

"Qunut Nazilah is also only (recited) on Fridays, when instead it can be done during all fardhu (compulsory) prayers," His Majesty pointed out, adding that there was no leadership or encouragement for the public to recite prayers and perform mass zikir.

In the same regard, the monarch also spoke of the lack of special programmes on radio and television to inform the public on the importance of doa and zikir in protecting oneself, as well as the country, from the outbreak.

His Majesty said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs had the human capacity to do this, but there has yet been any development towards this initiative.

"There are a lot of religious officers but not even one has stepped up to organise special programmes on radio and television to inform and lead the public regarding the importance of doa and zikir in protecting oneself and the country from the outbreak," His Majesty said.

The monarch also noted there has been no guidelines or information on doa wirid and zikir and other relevant prayers, which would be beneficial to be practised at this time.

"Does even this (initiative) have to wait for (my approval) as well?"

As schools have now opened, His Majesty said that there has been no initiative to include students to recite prayers for protection against the outbreak, before they start classes.

"What is so hard in carrying this out?" His Majesty asked. "(Especially as) religious people, I believe and realise that doa of children, who bear no sins, are effective."

"Has this not been thought of yet?"

The monarch made these statements in his titah yesterday, which also scrutinised other aspects of the government's operations. - Ubaidillah Masli

The Brunei Times