Abdul Rashid's Blog

22^nd September 2009, Tuesday – Yesterday (1^st Syawal 1430H), I went to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan to perform mass Aidilfitri sunnat prayer. After the prayer, I did listen to the khutbahs (sermon). There are two khutbahs. The first khutbah urges all Muslims to take precautionary measures to avoid the increase the risk of spreading Influenza A H1N1, particularly by following the advice of Ministry of Health.

The second khutbah advised Muslims to spend wisely and avoid accumulating debts. Excessive amounts of debts can make them into deep trouble. And their trouble also do affect others. In addition, the khutbah reminds Muslim not to use water and electricity excessively.

p/s: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan is my favourite mosque to perform Aidilfitri (and Aidiladha) sunnat prayer because I can easily get free parking at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex parking lots….and I can easily get a place to pray. I can pray outside if I cannot find a place inside the mosque.I usually bring my own prayer mat just in case I pray outside.

Extra

The following photo shows some of the foods that I ate during a family gathering on 1^st Syawal 1430H, Monday.

Related links:

• The Brunei Times, 22^nd September 2009: Congregants Flock To Greet HM And Royal Family After Aidilfitri Prayer.
• Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.

22^nd September 2009, Tuesday – Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered his titah at Istana Nurul Iman which was telecasted over Radio Television Brunei on the eve of 1^st Syawal 1430H/20^th September 2009, Sunday.

In his titah, His Majesty reminded us to be grateful when encountering a blessing and be patient when met with calamity.

In relation to Influenza A H1N1 pandemic, His Majesty reminded us to be patient. And, in addition, we also must make an effort (“iktihar”) to reduce the risk of spreading the H1N1 by following the authority advice and guidelines.

Due to this, HM himself has taken the initiative not to open the Istana Nurul Iman to the public during this year Aidilfitri celebration.

Related Links:

• The Brunei Times, 21^st September 2009: HM: Be grateful for blessings.
• The Brunei Times, 22^nd September 2009: HM joins Bruneians in Raya joy.
• Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.

I wish all Muslims anywhere in the world

a happy and blessed Aidilfitri.

19 September 2009, Sabtu – Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri diucapkan kepada semua umat Islam di seluruh dunia, khususnya umat di Negara Brunei Darussalam dan para pengunjung laman blog ini.

Semoga segala amalan kitani di bulan Ramadan diterima oleh Allah. Dengan itu, Aidilfitri pada tahun ini akan lebih bermakna. Ini kerana disebabkan Ramadan kitani menyambut Aidilfitri.

19^th September 2009, Saturday – Brunei Darussalam’s 1^st Syawal 1430H will be on 21^st September 2009, Monday. This was announced by Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Metussin bin Haji Baki, Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi Syar’iah through Radio Televisyen Brunei a few hours ago, due to the Syawal crescent is not sighted. And, tomorrow (20th September 2009) is still the month of Ramadan i.e 30 Ramadan 1430H.

Muslims in Brunei Darussalam will perform Aidilfitri sunnat prayer at all mosques and suraus at 7.30am on 1^st Syawal 1430H / 21^st September 2009M, Monday.

In conjunction with this, Brunei Darussalam will have 2 days Aidilfitri public holidays i.e on 21^st (Monday) and 22^nd (Tuesday) September 2009. Meanwhile students and teachers (who are on holiday) will have Special Aidilfitri school holiday until 27^th September 2009, Sunday. The 4^th school term will commence on 28^th September 2009, Monday.

The following photo shows Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Metusin bin Haji Baki, Brunei Darussalam’s Syar’iah High Court Judge, is announcing that the Syawal moon is not sighted:

(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 19^th September 2009, Saturday)

Related Links:

• Abdul Rashid's Blog: No Aidilfitri Open House at Istana Nurul Iman This Year
• The Brunei Times (20 September 2009): Brunei Darussalam to celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri tomorrow

19th September 2009, Saturday – Aidilfitri is a time of celebration. A celebration of our success fasting in the month of Ramadan. During Aidilfitri celebration, food is one of the top of the list items….Simply because you must have foods to serve your guests.

Let’s see what are on the menu this year…..and what are the people favourites.

I am wondering if somebody will serve burger (ready-made or homemade) during this coming festival especially during their Jamuan Aidilfitri (which is commonly known Hari Raya Open House).

I prefer what people called “Hari Raya Open House” as “Jamuan Aidilfitri” or “Jamuan Raya” because the house is already “opened” to “anyone” during this Syawal (especially in the first week of Syawal). Moreover, you have to invite your families and friends during so-called “Hari Raya Open House”.

Jamuan Aidilfitri is a special time allocated to families and friends to come and have some foods. In other words, this is the time that you are available at home and available to treat your families and friends with your special Aidilfitri menu.

(Photo: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 17th September 2009, Thursday)

Related links:

• CuboiArt: Don't Buy This Book (Perfect Guide for Perfect Open House)

18th September 2009, Friday --Last night, I made my first attempt making homemade burger. I find out that making homemade burger patties is more expensive than buying the ready-made burger patties.

The Breadcrumbs

The Burger Buns

McCormik Montreal Steak Seasoning

Maggi Chilli Sauce. Actually, I prefer Life Chilli Sauce.

Minced beef.

Tomatoes.

Grill them.

Toast the bun. Put the cheese and let it melts.

This is my the first one.

Tomato slices.

Toast the bun for the second one.

The second burger is done.

I cut it into half.

Actually, somethings are missing in its taste and texture. May be I should add iceberg lettuce, onions, tomato sauce, and fried egg to give it more ummph.

May be, I should try adding bbq sauce or black pepper sauce....Talking about burger with black pepper sauce, I really like McDonald's Prosperity Burger.

p/s: I forget something when I ate the burger last night. There was no Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. This drink is a must when I eat burger.....

(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 17th September 2009, Thursday)

17th September 2009, Thursday --Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) granted the 5th batch of the wishmakers their wishes in a ceremony that was held at the Lobby of BIBD Kiulap branch on 16th September 2009, Wednesday (yesterday).

Acting Managing Director of BIBD, Javed Ahmad presented the wish award to the 10 lucky customers.

(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 16th September 2009, Wednesday)

17th September 2009, Thursday --Yesterday, I went to a bersungkai (breaking the fast) gathering with the others BFFers that was held at Aiana Restaurant, Melabau Complex, Berakas. The restaurant is located very near to Serusop Mosque. The sungkai buffet at the restaurant is very affordable at BND6.90 per adult.











(Photos: Abdul Rashid Haji Tahir. Taken on 16th September 2009, Wednesday)