Girl Guides members share understanding of Isra' Mikraj message

MEMBERS of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) expressed their views on the Isra' Mikraj event and importance of performing prayers during the closing of the PPPBD Sharing and Caring Camping Programme yesterday.

Isra' Mikraj is a reminder of how important performing the five times a day obligatory prayers are. Performing the prayers prevents us from committing evil deeds and it brings the blessings and protection from Allah SWT.

The theme for this year's National Isra' Mikraj celebration is Sembahyang Menolak Mungkar, which means "prayers repel wrongdoings".

Ismah Nur Afifah Idris, 17, from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Maktab Sains) strongly agrees with the theme. She said that Brunei is blessed as the people follow the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) lifestyle.

"Brunei Darussalam is very blessed. We do not see major chaos and disaster happening here like in other countries," said Ismah Nur Afifah.

Hazwani Wajihah Jefery, 16, from Maktab Sains, said that performing the obligatory prayers is important especially for those who want to go to heaven.

Hazwani said she heard the story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asking Allah SWT to lessen the number of times Muslims are required to pray.

Before Muslims were required to pray 50 times a day but because of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the prayers were lessened to only five times a day, said Hazwani. "Even so, many of us still find it hard to complete the five times a day obligatory prayers. We have to pray, because we have to show we are grateful to Allah SWT."

Nuramera Syafiqah Rosli, 17, from the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic School (SUAMPRIPAD) said performing prayers has many benefits. "Praying can help us calm our thoughts when troubled and it will bring many rewards from Allah SWT."The Brunei Times