| Lyna Mohamad |

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 said the action taken by Prophet Ismail (pbuh) is an incident that is seen as the sign or decision by Allah the Almighty that whatever He commands should be observed without doubt.

The monarch added that whatever type or form of command, it still contains wisdom, a wisdom which is the highest secret of thedivine.

This was underscored by His Majesty in his titah in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha 1440 Hijrah/2019 last night.

“Let us look back on the wisdom behind the command for sacrifice. Despite obeying the command, the risk is very high, which is loss of life, yet understanding the price of wisdom, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) still obeyed the command without being concerned of the risk,” His Majesty said.

The monarch also noted that all commands are not free from risks. The command for prayers tests a person as it is performed five times a day.

The command for fasting challenges patience, the command for Zakat is connected to property and the command to perform Haj faces several obstacles. In short, all commands are risky yet contain divine wisdom in the form of good rewards, received later.

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son, Prophet Ismail (pbuh) chose to obey the command regardless of whatever risks, demonstrating immense faith in Allah the Almighty.

His act of obedience led to Allah the Almighty replacing Prophet Ismail (pbuh) with a sheep to be sacrificed in his place.

This, His Majesty said, is a lesson that is exemplary.

With reference to the current scenario, His Majesty highlighted the challenges faced by Muslims, including the intention to be influenced and pressured to disobey the law and commandments of Allah the Almighty.

“Hence, in such a situation, it is only right that the act of obedience and the spirit of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son Prophet Ismail (pbuh) must be adopted by us,” the monarch highlighted.

This way, His Majesty said, Insya Allah, assistance and perseverance will save all, save the religion and save the people and nation like how Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and Prophet Ismail (pbuh) obeyed regardless of being pressured by the Devil to disobey the command of Allah the Almighty.

His Majesty highlighted that the strong attitude of the father and son brought blessings and not harm, adding that, this is the impact of obedience where Allah the Almighty will replace it with a blessing.

This is not solely for the two prophets but also those who are pious where the faith and obedience to Allah the Almighty will reward blessings as how Allah the Almighty promises in Surah At-Thalaq of Al-Quran Verses 2 and 3 where it means “And whoever fears Allah the Almighty, He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect”.

“Such pleasure and blessings are the result of obedience to Allah the Almighty for us to seize,” said the monarch.

The monarch and other members of the royal family also extended Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to all Muslims in the country and prayed for the Haj pilgrims in the holy land to gain a Mabrur Haj and safe return from the pilgrimage.