MUSCAT: The holy month of Ramadhan in Brunei Darussalam, the Southeast Asian country, is a month of giving, just as any other country is used to, but with the difference that every single household will be taken care of by the royal gesture of making sure that people do possess
ample food and other provisions with them for a whole month.
Brunei Darussalam is closely associated with Islam, its traditions, and religious customs and this is visible in celebrating events and religious festivals, including the holy month of Ramadhan.
In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, 154.5 tonnes of dates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam have been distributed to all Muslims in the
country irrespective of their age and citizenship whereby each individual is entitled to a box containing 300 grams of dates.
To celebrate Ramadhan, several Islamic activities and events are held during this holy month such as Tadarus, Islamic Talks, Nuzul Al – Quran (17th Ramadhan), etc. Various bazaars and
food stalls can be found all over Brunei Darussalam during the fasting month with a delightful selection of exotic foods, drinks and desserts all in one place. Furthermore, throughout the
holy month, Muslims in the country perform tarawih prayers at various mosques around the country, with the two most significant mosques consisting of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
Preparations for the month were long begun as houses and shops prepared themselves to welcome the month.
The month is also observed as a public holiday season in the country and fasting is not linked to the Muslims alone, as non-Muslims are also accustomed to fasting out of respect for Muslims, who make up the majority in the country, and as an evidence of successful social
coexistence.
One of the inherited traditions in the holy month is that the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam attends religious ceremonies during Ramadhan with his ministers and the public.
With a population of nearly 450,000 people, Brunei Darussalam, a tiny country with tropical forests covering three-quarters of the total land area of 5,765 square kilometres, is one of the
world’s richest nations.
This year, as Brunei Darussalam has put the epidemic under control, Ramadhan markets are full of life and bustling with people from across the world. These Ramadhan markets, located across the country, and with vendors offering Malay-style cakes, barbecue, various drinks and other Muslim delicacies, nights come alive with a large number of people from all ethnic groups reluctant to give up till suhur time, the time for morning prayers.
Bruneians are urged to observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as outlined by the relevant authorities and it is also important not to ignore precautionary measures for as long
as they are needed.
“Ramadhan in Brunei Darussalam is an experience altogether. The Iftar, suhur, Ramadhan gatherings, networking and so on and so forth, are something which one shouldn’t miss”, says His Excellency Haji Sulaini Haji Said, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Oman.
Brunei Darussalam is known for its clean, hygienic, and sturdy local eateries which serve the customers local delicacies as well as foreign cuisines to the taste and preferences of the people visiting them. Hotels are required not to serve dine-in customers in daylight hours under local law.
However, non-Muslims can buy fast food takeaway in restaurants or eateries and have them in their houses as a matter of respecting the month.
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