Bandar Seri Begawan, October 19, 2024 – The Europe Today: Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman officiated the inauguration of the completed interior architecture project at the Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Manggis/Madang yesterday.
In his address, the minister praised the community-driven initiative, which was generously funded by the residents of Kampong Manggis and Kampong Madang with significant contributions from the corporate sector. He highlighted that the project symbolized the unity and collaboration between the public and the government, exemplifying the philosophy of shared responsibility in the development of religious institutions. The minister encouraged other mosques to adopt similar entrepreneurial approaches, which would help alleviate dependency on government support.
The minister also noted the mosque’s takmir committee’s plans to utilize available land for additional parking facilities and the implementation of knowledge-based programs, especially focusing on Al-Quran memorization, in line with the mosque’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
The project, initially launched in 2019, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed last year as a key initiative for the mosque’s decade-long commemoration. The mosque’s prayer hall now features intricately designed walls adorned with verses from the Al-Quran, Asmaa Ul-Husna (the 99 names of Allah), and Kalimah Zikir (remembrance of Allah), reflecting a unique blend of local cultural motifs, including mangosteen fruit and beilschmiedia flowers, as well as traditional bridal accessories.
The event was also graced by the presence of Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
The successful completion of this project demonstrates the power of community solidarity in enhancing the beauty and functionality of the mosque while promoting the spiritual and cultural values of Brunei Darussalam.
