HM Sultan Brunei: Oppression by those with power cannot be tolerated

Oppression by those with power cannot be tolerated
December 1, 2017

| Hakim Hayat |

OPPRESSION in all forms, especially from those entrusted with power and authority, cannot be tolerated and must be rooted out of the country, said 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.

Delivering a titah at the Istana Nurul Iman which was broadcast on state television and radio on the eve of Maulidur Rasul, or the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), for the year of 1439 Hijrah, His Majesty highlighted the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who denounced repression and advocated fairness in his efforts to broaden the reach of slam.

“In this age full of turmoil, justice is tainted by irresponsible and ruthless parties who steal away people’s happiness by means of oppression.

“This is a very hateful act that will meet with retribution from Allah the Almighty,” the monarch said, while also warning that oppression cannot be tolerated and has no place in the country.

His Majesty said that oppression usually comes from those entrusted with power and authority, including those in the workforce and service environment.

“This is why I am obliged to remind that anyone entrusted with position and power must not use them to oppress other people,” the monarch added.

His Majesty said that the most horrible form of oppression is slandering innocent people and this must be prevented.

“Brunei must be free from all signs of slander and oppression. This is the only principle that can save us and Allah the Almighty will certainly grant blessings to a fair country and government,” added the monarch.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty reminded that any efforts to dispute our religious beliefs and practices, such as the observation of the Maulidur Rasul, should be prevented by the law and not merely through advice and preaching.

The monarch also advised caution, citing the emergence of those who reject religious practices such as the Tahlil, Talqin, Maulidur Rasul and the Amin performed after the prayers of Imams, adding that while this may not be rampant in the country, it actually occurs in some places.

In light of this, His Majesty said that appropriate laws must be formulated and should be in place to counter this.

In the titah, the monarch also extolled the theme for this year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration – ‘Rasulullah: Qudwah Kepimpinan Yang Adil’, or The Messanger of Allah: The Ideal Example of Just Leadership’ – which His Majesty said is fitting because Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the most eminent role model in the implementation of justice.

His Majesty said that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has never committed any form of oppression and this is evident from the Prophet’s own words. The Prophet said that if he found out that his daughter Fatimah binti Muhammad was stealing, he would chop her hands ff.

This, His Majesty said, illustrates Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s fairness.

“Nobody was oppressed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and everyone enjoyed fairness from the Prophet, even his enemies, which is why the Prophet’s efforts to expand Islam became successful.

Only through fairness, people can be attracted to Islam – that is what was taught by the Prophet. This is the secret of fairness. Allah the Almighty will not let down anyone who strives for fairness,” the monarch said.

Concluding the titah, His Majesty urged all people in the country to appreciate and take heed of the theme of this year’s celebration and make a resolution to practise fairness, like Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), in their everyday lives.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin