‘Compilation of talks at mosques’

Aziz Idris (Borneo Bulletin)

MOST of the major diseases that have taken away millions of precious lives have originated from swine.

And in the holy book of Quran, it was mentioned 1,400 years ago, that swine is ‘Haram’ and anything that is `Haram’ has its disadvantages and risks, therefore should be avoided by all Muslims.

Due to Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic experienced by Brunei and other countries around the world, the State Mufti Department from the Prime Minister’s Office has published a book entitled Selesma Babi: Kukuhkan Kebenaraan Al-Quran’ which was launched last night at the State Mufti Building at Jalan Babu Raja.

The book is a compilation of talks by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Awang Juned, at the two main mosques in the country.
According to the State Mufti, the book has been published due to the staggering number of HIN1 cases recorded in Brunei and around the world. It also shows the level of greatness of Allah SWT that is worthy to be acknowledged.

The State Mufti said the emergence of the pandemic has no doubt revealed the truth about swine, especially in the era of science and technology.

“We have witnessed the effect of swine over the years. Around 90 years ago the ‘Spanish Flu’ saw more than 50 million deaths. In 1957, ‘Asian flu’ hit Hong Kong and the 1968 ‘Hong Kong flu’ killed more than two million people,” he said.

“In 1999, the emergence of a plague called Japanese Encephalitis, or JE in short, took many lives as it attacked the brain cells of humans. All these diseases originated from swine,” added the State Mufti.

The book Selesema Babai: Kukuhkan Kebenaran Al-Quran’ was launched by the State Mufti himself. Also present during the ceremony were Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohidin, Deputy State Mufti, and Data Paduka Ahmad Bukhari bin Pehin Siraja Khatib Haji Abu Hanifah, Director of Administration of the State Mufti Department.

The ceremony was also participated by officers and employees of the department and media representative.

The event began with the mass Maghrib prayers followed by the Hajat prayers and the recital of `Selawat Tafrijiah’, and ended with the Isya prayers.

The 92-page book, priced at $3 per copy, is sold at Darulifta Brunei Darussalam, Simpang 26, Jalan Pengiran Babu Raja, Bandar Seri Begawan beginning today during office hours.

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