Takbir heralds Aidil Fitri

THE recital of "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Wa Lillah Ilham" echoed from all the mosques nationwide last evening, which marked the end of the fasting month and the arrival of Syawal.

The recitation of Takbir was heard from all mosques, suraus, and prayer halls throughout the nation, as the festivities mark a very important date for Muslims.

The Takbir Raya is the time when Muslims should remember Allah (SWT) through constant recital of zikir, tahmid and tasbih as encouraged by Islam.

At the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque The Brunei Times interviewed devouts on performing the ibadah (religious practice) and the significance of what Takbir Raya meant to them.

"It is always an overwhelming feeling when you hear the masses chanting together (Allahu Akbar)," said Hj Mohd Rahman.

The 56-year-old said the Takbir signifies the celebration for Muslims who endure the test put by the Almighty in withstanding temptation throughout the fasting month.

Another devout, Fahmi Hassan said this is a yearly event when he and his father would walk down to the mosque and join the Takbir.

"Aidil Fitri is a month-long celebration when Bruneians pay visits to relatives and peers with open arms, and exchange courtesy and hospitality," said the 36-year-old.

Haddy Dzulkifli, 25, said he had come back from Singapore, where he is pursuing his studies, for a few days to spend the holidays in Brunei.

"The Takbir is very moving, it reminds me that another year has gone by and with time moving so fast, it's time to really spend time with the family," said Haddy.

Meanwhile in Temburong, residents gathered at mosques and religious halls on the eve of Aidil Fitri for the recitation of Takbir to welcome the Raya celebrations.

The focus last night was on the Hj Mohd Salleh main mosque in the heart of the Bangar Town.

The recitation of Takbir marked the start of a celebration for Muslims after performing the third pillar of Rukun Islam (Pillars of Islam), a month of fasting.

The sunat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri prayers will be held today at all mosques and suraus nationwide beginning at 7.30am.

The Hj Mohd Salleh main mosque will also be filled with congregants performing the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri prayers today at the first day of the celebration.

For 43-year-old Temburong resident, who wished to be known as Hj Latip, the month of Syawal and the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration were not only occasions for forgiveness, but self-reflection as well.

"It is the month for us to forgive. For us to reflect what we have done, what we have achieved and foster closer silaturahim (brotherhood) and solidarity."

"We are not only celebrating our success in celebrating the end of the month of fasting, it is also for us to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for giving us the strength to perform the religious deeds, and for us to be able to celebrate the month of Syawal. The civil servant said he could not wait to see his kin and kith. "It is the time when my family members from Bandar (the capital) and other districts will actually take time to visit us in Temburong."

"InsyaAllah (if Allah is willing), we will also be travelling to Brunei Muara and Tutong to visit our other family members," the father of four added.

The Brunei Times