Special Women’s Gathering for Prophet’s Birthday: Royal Princesses Attend in Person

(Bandar Seri Begawan, 18th) Her Royal Highness Princess Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah graced the Special Women’s Gathering held today in conjunction with the 1447 Hijrah (2025) Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Birthday at Jerudong Royal Berkshire, Tarindak D’ Polo.
Also in attendance were Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, Princess Masna, and Princess Amal Umi Kalsum Al-Islam.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Utama Ustaz Haji Badaruddin (who also serves as Chairman of the National Supreme Committee for Major Islamic Festivals and National Adult Al-Qur’an Recitation Competition) welcomed Her Royal Highness.

Also warmly welcomed were Second Minister of Defence at Prime Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Dato Haji Halbi (Retired Major General), Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Haji Ahaddin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Haji Nazmi, Acting Second Minister of Finance and Economy Pengiran Seri Haji Zety Sufina, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Seri Haji Kahluddin, and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Haji Muhammad Tahin.
The Royal Highness and royal members were accompanied by Acting Director of Islamic Development at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Ummiyati, who also served as co-chairperson of the gathering. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Islamic Bank (BIBD) and Brunei National Women’s Council.
The event commenced with Qur’an recitation by Najilah Sabrina Abdul Rajid, a first-year undergraduate student of religious studies at Al-Azhar University, Egypt, and winner of the 2024 and 2025 National Youth Qur’an Recitation Competition.

In her welcoming remarks, Datin Umiyati pointed out that this year’s Special Women’s Gathering is the 32nd to be held since 1416 Hijrah (1995). She stated that commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday every year is not only to celebrate his birthday, but also to express gratitude and love for the greatest blessings that Allah has bestowed upon humanity.
She said: “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a mercy to all the worlds, the best role model, and the bearer of light and truth.”
This year’s theme is “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the role model for families full of peace, love, and compassion,” which highly aligns with Muslim women’s vision to build families based on love and harmony.
The Prophet set the finest example in family by caring gently for his wives and by educating his children with wisdom and compassion.
The event continued with Marhaban praises performed by staff from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Islamic Bank (BIBD), and Brunei National Women’s Council.

In addition, Dr. Vida, lecturer from the Faculty of Law, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), delivered a special address. Students from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic School, years five and six, presented a Selawat (praises of the Prophet), which enlivened the atmosphere.
The event concluded with a prayer led by Senior Education Officer Haji Noor Rasidah from the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs, blessing the gathering.
This year’s Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Birthday Special Women’s Gathering was jointly organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Islamic Bank (BIBD), and Brunei National Women’s Council.