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 in a titah last evening called for the further strengthening of Islamic teachings based on Al-Quran, while also urging religious authorities to avoid any deviation from authentic Islamic teachings.

His Majesty made the call last evening, on the occasion of the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for 1440 Hijrah, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

In the titah, His Majesty noted the recent trend of discourse or theories that are contrary to Al-Quran or Hadith, such as interpretations of dreams about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which recently made the rounds in the country.

“Regarding having dreams about the Prophet (pbuh)…there are some scholars who advise against talking about such dreams, for they are too great and personal to be advertised,” said His Majesty

His Majesty also recommended that individuals claiming to have dreamed about such matters should be evaluated, including their backgrounds and the content of the dream, “since stories can be made up, such as the Prophet (pbuh) sending well-wishes to his followers, which gives you an indication of the dreamer’s amazing memory in recalling all the names that were mentioned.”

“Another matter that requires urgent attention is the content of the dream, especially if it is contrary to the teachings of Al-Quran and Hadith. Recently, someone said Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) supposedly told him that the first to enter paradise would be the Prophet’s followers, and afterwards the Prophet himself.

“But according to the Hadith, the gates to paradise will not open to anyone, save for the Prophet (pbuh), which means that he will be the first to enter paradise before anyone else.

“Although the position of this Hadith is clear, there are some parties who stubbornly persist in justifying such dreams.”

As a step to overcome such matters, His Majesty urged the relevant authorities exercising their powers under the Application for Permission to teach Al-Quran / Religion / Religious Lecture Act of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) to be more careful about giving permission to such individuals.

“By right, if someone has an excellent grasp of the faith, then they should be more aware of the Prophet’s (pbuh) warning: ‘Whoever tells a lie using my name, then he has earned a place in Hell’,” said His Majesty.

“This is why I want religious education and teachings based on Al-Quran to be strengthened in all schools; not merely limited to religious and Arabic schools but also in all secondary schools under the Ministry of Education, as well as private schools.

“I desire for the people of this country to receive proper religious education which does not deviate from Al-Quran and Hadith, so that this country may be blessed by Allah the Almighty.

“I am confident that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education have already started planning a curriculum for Al-Quran and religious teaching in all secondary and private schools, with particular emphasis on Islamic history.”

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty extolled the significance of Al-Quran as a source of guidance in this world and the hereafter. “We will not be misguided if we have a strong grasp of Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, as Al-Quran is the ultimate miracle that was passed down to us by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a guide, especially in this era fraught with complexities and challenges,” said the monarch.