HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday urged Muslims to show their true commitment to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by following the path shown by him and emulate his character in all aspects of life.

This was stated by His Majesty in his titah in conjunction with the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for 1433 Hijrah.

"Muslims in this country," said His Majesty, "should be grateful as we have the opportunity to celebrate Maulidur Rasul Sallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam for the year 1433 Hijrah and 2012."

"Each year, we celebrate this occasion in our own way by organising dikir in mosques nationwide for 12 consecutive nights which culminates with a gathering and march."

"These events undoubtedly feature Kebruneian Tulin which should be continued from generation to generation. Even as it is, at appropriate instances, it may also require some adjustments. However, the celebrations should always be consistent," said His Majesty.

"The importance of celebrating the occasion is to instill our admiration and love for Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam, he should always be adored and loved, as much as Allah (SWT) has done so.

"Is this not the truth, that it is wajib to love Prophet Muhammad in accordance to Allah's will?" His Majesty asked.

Whenever people talk or discuss about a "role model", they always refer to one individual who should be considered a role model, said His Majesty. As Muslims, the role model has been mentioned and selected by Allah (SWT).

His Majesty cited a verse from Surah Al-Azhad, Ayat 21 "Surely, there is for you the best example in the Messenger of Allah, for whoever seeks pleasure of Allah, and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.".

Prophet Muhammad is a role model who has been chosen by Allah (SWT) that does not fade in time or can be duplicated by other figures, said His Majesty.

"Prophet Muhammad is our role model. It's not us who picked him but Allah Ta'ala. It is Allah who had showed him to us. Is it not great that Allah has made that selection?" said His Majesty.

"Allah," said His Majesty, "has picked Prophet Muhammad as a role model to last forever. There are role models who are chosen by persons for only a limited time. The most is for centuries, thereafter another role model comes along to replace that person. However, this role model has been chosen by Allah, who cannot be erased by time and not replaced by any other person."

"It is for certain, that no other role model exists to replace Prophet Muhammad," said His Majesty.

"Therefore, based on this, let us instill faith and determination to be further committed to Prophet Muhammad by strongly upholding and practising all the teachings which has been brought by him and emulate him in all aspects of our lives," said His Majesty.

"By carrying this out," His Majesty said "we will be able to gain pangkat takwa before Allah, and that piety will open the blessed doors in the heavens and on earth."

"We should also make pangkat takwa as an aim for all so that we all could reap the benefits, as it's not limited to its incumbent, but also covers the country, the land as mentioned in the Surah Al-A'raf, Ayat 96 (which loosely translated, "yet had the people of the town believed and had been God-fearing, we would have opened upon them blessing from heaven and the earth")," His Majesty said. "The blessings," His Majesty said, "would come in the form of prosperity, peace and security which could be enjoyed by everyone and the country," "this is the sign from Allah (SWT) with regard to takwa and hopefully, we are all sensitive to take heed in His teaching".

The Brunei Times

See also B6