Arya News - Besaprah is a Brunei Malay tradition of sharing a meal on a communal mat, reflecting values of unity, moderation, and equality.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Mosque Takmir Committee of Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien will again organise its “Maritah Iftar Besaprah” programme throughout Ramadhan, offering members of the public and visitors an opportunity to break fast communally at the capital’s landmark mosque.
The iftar will be held daily from 6pm at a designated open area facing the Giant Flag and Taman Sir Muda Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien. The committee said the besaprah area is strictly limited to this location to ensure coordination and safety.
Besaprah is a Brunei Malay tradition of sharing a meal on a communal mat, reflecting values of unity, moderation and equality. Under the programme, participants will break fast together before performing Maghrib prayers in congregation.
The Maritah Iftar Besaprah initiative aims to foster communal iftar gatherings, encourage charitable giving and strengthen ties between congregants, the wider community and visitors.
It also seeks to promote Brunei’s cultural heritage — particularly the practice of besaprah — while reinforcing the role of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque as a centre for dakwah, welfare activities and Islamic tourism .
The programme is open to congregants, local residents and international tourists. Organisers said it aims to encourage charitable giving, strengthen community ties and promote Brunei’s cultural heritage within the setting of the mosque.
A cannon will be fired symbolically to mark the time for breaking fast, in keeping with a long-standing Ramadhan tradition.
The mosque has allocated 60 meal packs daily from the Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Fund. Members of the public may contribute food, beverages or bottled water through the organising committee.
The organisers also welcome public donations in the form of bottled water cartons to support the programme. All contributions will be handled with trust, transparency and accountability by appointed committee members.
The programme is supported by the mosque’s Takmir and Muslimah committees, youth groups and volunteers, who will oversee food distribution, prayers and clean-up.
Organisers said safety and cleanliness will be prioritised, with the besaprah area confined to the designated space. In the event of adverse weather, arrangements will be moved to a covered area, subject to safety considerations. – Lyna Mohamad
