Social ills perpetrated by youths could be overcome by instilling a strong family institution as those with either broken or unhappy families are the main causes of such social issues and this should be tackled promptly.

This was highlighted by Imams during a Friday sermon yesterday. Islam urges families and every household to live in harmony. Parents are responsible to provide guidelines and teach their children well especially in resolving family disputes.

Children should respect their parents, tone down their voices when talking to them, pray for their well-being and not to dishearten them. They should spend valuable time with their parents whilst looking after their welfare. A parent’s sacrifice and kindness cannot be repaid through any form of contributions, as it is a priceless gift.

“Work is work. Responsibility towards parents should also come first. We mark the National Family Day through the teachings of Islam and let us empower the family institution and make it more harmonious,” the Imams said.

Brunei Darussalam marks the National Family Day today (May 4) with Maghrib and Isyak prayers, recitation of Surah Yaasiin and thanksgiving prayers at main mosques nationwide namely Jame’ ‘Mr Hassanil Bolkiah in the Brunei-Muara District, Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Tutong, MohamMad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Kuala Belait and Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Temburong.

The next day (May 5), celebrations will focus on various family-oriented activities after the dawn prayer. The celebrations in the Brunei-Muara District will be divided into four zones.

As for zone 1, dawn prayer will be held at the Sufri Bolkiah Mosque at Perpindahan Berakas whilst the celebration will be hosted at the Berakas Sports Complex with the expected attendance of the Minister of Health as the guest of honour.

As for zone 2, dawn prayer will be held at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque followed by celebrations at Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan, with the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office expected as the guest of honour.

For zone 3, dawn prayer will be held at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque and the celebration will be held at the Menglait Sports Complex. The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources will be the guest of honour.

Meanwhile for zone 4, dawn prayer will be held at the Kampong Pengkalan Barn Mosque. Celebrations will be held at the Kampong Pant Recreational Park, with the Minister of Home Affairs as the guest of honour.

Two zones are also in focus in the Tutong District. For zone 1, dawn prayer will be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque whilst celebration will take place at the Community Hall of Tutong with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports expected as the chief guest.

For zone 2, dawn prayer will be held in Kampong Menengah Mosque in Lamunin. Celebrations will take place at Kampong Menengah Primary School with the Minister of Religious Affairs as the guest of honour.

Meanwhile for the Belait District, zone 1, dawn prayer will be held at Lorong Tiga Selatan Mosque in Seria and celebrations at Pusat Insani Seria, with the Minister of Education as the guest of honour.

For zone 2, dawn prayer will be held at Al-Mashor Mosque in Kampong Sungai Mau with celebrations taking place at the open area of Kampong Sungai Mau, Jalan Labi with the Minister of Communications as the guest of honour.

Finally for the Temburong District, dawn prayer will be held at Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Bangar Town. Celebrations will be held at the Pekan Bangar Bumiputra Commercial Complex, with the Minister of Development as the guest of honour.

Additionally, babies born on May 5 will receive special gifts, to be handed out at main hospitals nationwide on May 6. Restaurants too are also urged to be family friendly by offering discounts when a family is dining in.

Borneo Bulletin – Saturday May 4 2013