His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam graced the 78 Times Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony by Mukim and Village Consultative Council Members, and School as well as Higher Education Institution Students Nationwide. Held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 78th Birthday Celebration for 2024, it was held on 1st August afternoon, at the Banquet Hall, Istana Nurul Iman.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri were greeted by:
- Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara as the Co-Advisor of the Celebration's National Committee;
- Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs; Co-Chairpersons of the Celebration's National Committee; and their respective spouses.
Also present were:
- His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah;
- His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik, and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi'atul 'Adawiyyah;
- His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah;
- Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah;
- Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah;
- Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna;
- Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, and other members of the Royal Family.
The ceremony commenced with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, State Mufti.
Awangku Luqman 'Amri Al-Hakeem bin Pengiran Asmali, student of the Youth Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme led the reading of Khatam Al-Qur'an.
One thousand seven hundred and eight participants joined the ceremony. They include members of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils from all districts, youths representing their mukim and villages, and students from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Qur'an Institute, and the Youth Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme.
The ceremony also involved children aged 12 and below representing religious schools under the purview of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including Arabic schools and Al-Falah School, students of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Khatam Al-Qur'an Scheme for Under 10, as well as students from schools under the purview of the Ministry of Education and higher education institutions nationwide.
The ceremony was the citizens' supplication for His Majesty's longevity and good health so that His Majesty can continue to lead the nation with the guidance of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.
Officers and religious teachers from the Islamic Studies Department recited the Takhtim. This was followed by the reading of Tahlil by officers from the Mosque Affairs Department. Doa Khatam was read by Awang Muhammad Nurhidayatullah Al- Mu'min bin Awang Rossnan, student of the Youth Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme.
Dikir Marhaban was presented by mosque officers from the Mosque Affairs Department, as well as officers and religious teachers from the Islamic Studies Department. Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti.
The 78 Times Khatam Al-Qur'an ceremony reflected the close ties between the Monarch and the people.
