His Majesty Sultan of Brunei Bids Farewell to Haj Pilgrims at Istana Nurul Iman
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: 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, graciously received in audience 992 intending haj pilgrims at Istana Nurul Iman on Thursday.
Accompanying His Majesty during the ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
This year, a total of 472 male and 520 female pilgrims will perform the haj during the 1446 Hijrah / 2025 season. The group also includes officers from Brunei’s haj mission, comprising administrative and medical personnel, along with staff from six licensed haj package operators.
Prior to the royal audience, the pilgrims performed the Zuhur and Sunnat Hajat prayers in congregation, seeking blessings for their upcoming spiritual journey. As a gesture of goodwill, His Majesty presented each male pilgrim with an ihram garment and each female pilgrim with a telekung prayer attire.
The six authorised haj service providers for this season are Darussalam Services Sdn Bhd, Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd, At-Taqwa Travel Tours Sdn Bhd, Al-Hijrah Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Dar El-Ehsan Travel Sdn Bhd, and Raudah Al-Amin Sdn Bhd.
The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart for the Holy Land on Thursday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m.
The annual audience reflects His Majesty’s deep care and concern for the well-being and spiritual fulfilment of Bruneian pilgrims. His Majesty also conveyed prayers for their safety, health, and the attainment of a haj mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage).
