Be always grateful to Allah, says HM

MUSLIMS must not stop from giving thanks to Allah (SWT) and never falter in glorifying Him, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reminded the nation yesterday.

In his Hari Raya Aidil Fitri titah, the monarch said that "Islam is beautiful and should always be decorated with praises to Allah (SWT)".

"Whether in happiness or hardships, we are obligated to be grateful. This is because both circumstances have its own intention which has been decided by Allah (SWT)," he said.

"Perhaps the intention behind happiness is to cheer the spirit of the individual while the hardships teach us lessons, and both are good for us," His Majesty said.

The monarch said that this had been highlighted in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 216 which interprets: "... And you may deplore something although it is good for you. And also perhaps you may like something although it is bad for you. And (remember) only Allah the Almighty knows (all these) while you do not."

Mentioning the tragic incident during Ramadhan, when a Bell 212 helicopter crashed, killing some members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the monarch said: "Of course we do not wish for such a disaster, however Allah (SWT) has determined it, so it cannot be avoided." Referring to the verse, His Majesty said: "We can only think of its intention while only Allah (SWT) knows about the rest," he said. He said that those who can accept it with perseverance are those who deserve to receive pahala (rewards) from Allah (SWT). "You cannot put a price on rewards because it is not a commodity that can be traded, instead it is a gift from Allah (SWT) for those He wills," he said. "The conditions are, that we are obligated to persevere and receive it willingly as a test from Allah (SWT)," he added.

"Those who have persevered are then rewarded according to their level of perseverance," said the monarch. Meanwhile, those who are still in the world, are obligated to pray for the souls of the departed so that they will be placed among the pious, His Majesty said.

The monarch then wished everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and for the occasion to be celebrated in a calm and peaceful manner under the guidance of Allah (SWT). The Brunei Times