| Wani Roslan |

THE Arabic Language celebration in conjunction with the World Arabic Language Day was celebrated at the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), with the theme Bahasa Zikir di Negara Zikir, yesterday.

The celebration was co-organised by UNISSA, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and Rabitah Antarabangsa Alumni Al-Azhar (Brunei).

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman was the guest of honour.

The minister underlined that this year’s theme is a great opportunity to realise 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’s vision to make Brunei a Zikir Nation by understanding Al-Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well as Islamic heritage books through the mastering of the Arabic Language.

“The importance in organising such a programme every year can help strengthen the love towards Al-Quran,” said the minister.

The minister urged the organisations to continue collaborating in programmes and activities that can help the children in the Sultanate develop their talents and skills in terms of academic, life as well as language.

The ceremony also saw the launching of the online Journal of Arabic Language Faculty followed by a visit to the Arabic Language Creativity Exhibition that showcased culture and civilisation of Arab nations.

A three-day seminar, which ends tomorrow, is also conducted along with activities including Tausyeh competition, Khat, Qiraah, Arabic Language Forum, Story-Telling competition and Arabic Language Workshop.

The objective of the celebration was to create a conducive environment for students to interact in Arabic Language with their friends, lecturers in UNISSA and KUPU SB.

The celebration was also aimed to promote the importance of Arabic Language as the language of Al-Quran, Ibadat language, language of knowledge and language of civilisation as well as to increase the sensitivity of the people to the Arabic Language by highlighting the initiatives and successes of related countries, institutions and individuals.

The concept of Zikir Nation can be realised by upholding the use of Arabic Language in Brunei Darussalam.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof in his capacity as Ra’es of Executive Committee of Rabitah Antarabangsa Alumni Al-Azhar (Brunei), Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Ra’es of KUPU SB Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, as well as foreign dignitaries.