Best imam, bilal receive accolades

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday presented awards to an imam and bilal (muezzin) for their excellent service to their respective mosques during this year's Isra' Mikraj celebrations.

The recipient of the "Anugerah Imam Cemerlang" or Excellent Imam Award was Hj Hassan Hj Taha, while Mudim Hj Metassim Hj Metussin, received the "Anugerah Bilal Cemerlang" or Excellent Bilal Award.

Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, in a welcoming address said that the awards were given in appreciation and recognition of the imam and bilal of the nation who are considered to be on an excellent level of quality.

Not only that but the award itself the Minister said would "serve as a source of motivation for all the Imam and Bilal across the country to strive harder to improve and increase the level of quality and performance of their services.

YB Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad also said that it was an effort to glorify mosques, prayer halls and areas of worship, where the imam and bilal are considered to be the main driving force.

The minister stressed that it was also an initiative to support a more Zikir nation, with the imam and bilal helping in maintaining good relations between the mosque and the community members.

Regarding the theme of "Sembahyang Penolak Mungkar" (prayers repel wrongdoings), the minister expressed his hope for it to be understood and practiced by the Muslim community so that they and the country would reap the benefits in this life and the next.

The event began soon after His Majesty's arrival with the recitation of verses from Al-Quran by Ak Adibul Amin Pg Hj Marjuki, the champion in the Qari Category of the "National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults 2012/1433Hijrah".

While, the translation of the meaning of the verse was read by Hj Zulkifli Hj Murat, a Mosque Affairs Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

With His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The event proceeded with a titah by His Majesty. This was followed with a special talk by Dr Norarfan Hj Zainal, Assistant Ra'es of the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers College University (KUPU SB).

A tausyeh performance entitled 'Jaddal Hussain' was also presented by the youths of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Mosque, Kampung Tamoi.

The highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the recipients of the Imam and Bilal Excellence Awards and presentation of the awards by His Majesty.

To bless the event, a doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned.

The event was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The Brunei Times