The platoon of men were in digital camouflage uniform. Carrying automatic weapons and wielding a machete to clear paths, they patrolled through the vast expanse of the dense peat-swamp forest, securing the area.

Part of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF), they were on military operations in one of the oldest tropical rainforests and isolated islands of Pulau Baru-Baru, located south of the Naval Base in Muara.

Accompanying them was Corporal Nazirul, the Religious Department of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' (JAMA'AT) personnel whose task is to remind the soldiers of their mission, responsibilities and call of duty during the holy month of Ramadhan.

"Ramadhan is the Islamic month of fasting where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and resistance of all temptations is encouraged," said the corporal.

Assigned to strengthen the religious values of the personnel, Nazirul is with the platoon to also impart knowledge on patience, spirituality, humility and submission to God while carrying out their duties during fasting month.

"Ramadhan is also a time when Muslims take time out from worldlyaffairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment, and they are encouraged to pray more than usual," he reminded.

During Ramadhan, soldiers from the RBAF go out on patrol in the dense peat-swamp forest, exposing themselves to treacherous environment, and sometimes in extreme weather while carrying military hardware without eating or drinking anything during the entire day.

Based at Pulau Baru-Baru, these RBLF heroes undertake their patrols everyday for a specified duration. They maintain continuous communication with the base while out on patrols.

Just before sundown, after hours of slow trekking on muddy terrains, fighting sand flies and sharp branches along the way, the patrol team regrouped back at base camp.

The men gathered at the common room to break their fast shortly after the sound of the Azan performed by Corporal Nazirul.

The Platoon Commander, Lt Abdul Aziz Abdul Latiff, told the Bulletin that fasting while patrolling the border was not an easy feat, but by performing our obligations as Muslims helped keep the soldiers' morale high, adding that his priority is for the safety of his men as the conditions on the island pose safety risks to the patrolmen.

Soldadu Abdul Jalilul Akbar was experiencing his first fasting month in an operation, after completing his recruit training recently.

"Although I miss doing things I usually do such as sourcing for iftar food with my family and friends, I am proud that I am doing a more meaningful task this year by serving the country," he chimed.

To enliven the sacred month and to mark the Nuzul Al-Quran, the platoon hosted a religious ceremony recently with a special lecture by JAMAAT speaker held at the surau.

Nightly Tarawikh prayers and Tedarus are also being performed during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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