HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joined his subjects to perform the Maghrib and Isyak prayers at the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque yesterday evening in conjunction with the 28th National Day which the nation celebrates today.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; Their Royal Highnesses Prince 'Abdul 'Azim, Prince 'Abdul Malik and Prince 'Abdul Wakeel.

The event commenced with the Maghrib prayers led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Yahya Hj Ibrahim.

This was followed by Sunat Hajat prayers led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Salim Besar to seek blessings from Allah (SWT) for the nation and its people.

A recital of the Surah Yassin proceeded which was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Suhaili Hj Mohiddin and a thanksgiving doa read by the State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned.

The congregation was then led to perform the Isyak prayer by Pehin Dato Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Abdul Hamid Bakal.

Upon leaving the mosque, the congregation took the opportunity to greet His Majesty and other members of the royal family.

Marking 28 years of independence, the nation has witnessed its continuous development growth in various areas over the past two decades.

Among those who attended the ceremony were the nation's statesmen, ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials as well as members of the public.

Even though the focus of last night's celebration was at the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) mosque, where His Majesty joined hundreds of his subjects to perform mass prayers, similar events were also held at mosques nationwide.

Residents of Tutong District congregated at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Tutong Town for prayers and recitations of Surah Yassin and thanksgiving prayers to bless the nation which was attended by Acting Tutong District Officer Hj Muhammad Suffian Hj Bungsu.

Meanwhile, the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB) held the prayers at the university college's surau, organised by KUPU SB Unit Kerohanian (Spiritual Unit) of KUPU SB's Students Affairs.

The Deputy Raes Dr Hj Abdullah Hj Lampoh was present as well as senior KUPU SB officials.

In a separate venue, the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam held a function at its headquarters in Kampung Anggerek Desa to mark the occasion.

The event began with mass Maghrib prayers, led by Ustazah Hjh Fatimah Hj Abd Ghani, the head commissioner (Religious) of the association.

Some 50 members of the association participated in the event, that was part of the association's annual religious activities.The Brunei Times