Islam in Brunei

Islam is the main religion in Brunei, with 82.1% of people calling themselves Muslim. The country follows the Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam. The Sultan is the head of the official religion.

Islam deeply influences Brunei’s culture, governance, and daily life. The Sharia Penal Code is enforced alongside the common law system. This article will delve into the history of Islam in Brunei. It will also cover the religious demographics, the role of Islam in the legal system, and Islamic education.

It will also look at societal attitudes and practices. Finally, it will discuss the Sultan’s role in Islamic affairs.

History of Islam’s Arrival in Brunei

The exact start of Islam in Brunei is unclear, but signs show it began in the 10th century. A Chinese Muslim named P’u-lu-shieh visited Brunei in 977 AD. Later, a group from Brunei, led by P’u A-li (Abu Ali), went to China. This shows Islam was present in the royal court before the monarch’s conversion.

More proof of early Islam in Brunei comes from Islamic tombstones and Chinese records from the 14th century. These show Muslim traders in Brunei had a big impact long before Sultan Muhammad Shah converted to Islam in the late 14th century.

Sultan Muhammad Shah’s Conversion and Spread of Islam

The conversion of Sultan Muhammad Shah to Islam in the late 14th century was a key moment. After the Sultan became a Muslim, Islam quickly spread. This happened in two ways: through early travelers and the Sultan’s conversion.

Sheikh Syarif Ali, an Arab immigrant and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, also helped spread Islam in Brunei and Java. By the 16th century, Islam was firmly rooted in Brunei. It even became part of the country’s laws.

“The conversion of Sultan Muhammad Shah to Islam in the late 14th century marked a pivotal moment in the spread of Islam in Brunei.”

Demographic Breakdown of Religious Affiliations

Brunei, a small but diverse country in Southeast Asia, is known for its strong Islamic influence. The latest government census data shows that 82.1% of the population identifies as Muslim. This makes Islam the dominant religion in the country.

The remaining religious affiliations include 6.7% Christians, 6.3% Buddhists, and 4.9% adherents of other faiths, such as indigenous beliefs.

The ethnic Malay population, which makes up 65.7% of Brunei’s citizens, are defined by law as Muslims from birth. On the other hand, the 9.4% ethnic Chinese population is mostly Buddhist and Christian. The indigenous tribes, such as the Dusun, Bisaya, Murut, and Iban, account for about 4% of the total population.

They have a more diverse religious makeup. An estimated 50% are Muslim, 15% Christian, and the rest follow traditional spiritual practices or other religions.

Brunei’s religious demographics show the country’s ethnic and religious diversity. The majority of the population being Muslim highlights the unique cultural and religious tapestry of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.

The Role of Islam in Brunei’s Legal System

Brunei’s legal system is a mix of secular law and Sharia, the Islamic law. Sharia courts in Brunei follow the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. This school is the main branch of Sunni Islam in the country.

The Sharia Penal Code (SPC) applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims, including foreigners. Some sections of the SPC don’t apply to non-Muslims.

Sharia Law and the Sharia Penal Code

The Sharia Penal Code lists punishments for crimes like apostasy, blasphemy, murder, theft, adultery, rape, and sodomy. The government has put a hold on these punishments. They say it’s because of the high standards needed for the death penalty, like having many Muslim male witnesses.

The secular and Sharia courts work together on cases that fit both laws. This teamwork helps keep Brunei’s legal system strong. It shows the country’s deep connection to Islam.

“Brunei’s legal system is a delicate balance between secular law and Sharia, reflecting the country’s commitment to its Islamic heritage.”

Brunei is facing challenges as it modernizes and globalizes. The role of Sharia law in its legal system is a big topic of discussion. This includes talks within Brunei and around the world.

Islam in Brunei

Brunei, a Southeast Asian nation, has a mostly Muslim population. The Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam is the main tradition here. It makes up about 76% of the Muslim population, leading the Islamic way in Brunei.

Shafi’i School of Sunni Islam

The Shafi’i school guides Brunei’s laws and social norms. It’s named after Al-Shafi’i, a 9th-century scholar. This school focuses on following the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.

Influence of Other Islamic Schools

Though Shafi’i is the main school, Hanafi and Maliki schools also have followers in Brunei. They make up about 6% of the Muslim population. Brunei has also been influenced by other Islamic traditions, thanks to students studying in nearby places.

This diversity shows Brunei’s rich cultural and religious background. The Sultan’s openness to other Sunni schools shows Brunei’s nuanced approach to Islam.

“Brunei’s Islamic heritage is a tapestry of diverse traditions, woven together to create a unique and harmonious religious landscape.”

The Sultan’s Role in Islamic Affairs

In Brunei, the Sultan is key in Islamic affairs as the head of the state religion. The constitution says the Sultan gets advice from the Islamic Religious Council on Islam matters. He can make laws about Islam after talking with the Council.

This system, called the Malay Islamic Monarchy, makes the Sultan Islam’s protector in Brunei. This role was made stronger during the British colonial period. Despite more colonial influence, the Sultan’s role was kept.

In 1984, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah declared Brunei a “forever sovereign, democratic, and independent Malay, Muslim Monarchy upon the teachings of (Sunni) Islam.” This made Brunei’s non-secular state status clear. The “Malay Islamic Monarchy” (MIB) is Brunei’s national ideology. It was started in 1990 with the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB) to teach MIB in schools.

Brunei keeps reviewing laws to make them more Islamic. It bans practices seen as not true Islam. It also tries to remove superstitions from Muslim-Malay culture.

The State Mufti Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamic Da’wah Centre, and the Aqidah Control Section are key in Brunei’s Islamic affairs.

The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is worth $20 billion, according to Forbes. He is known for his lavish lifestyle, owning thousands of luxury cars and the biggest private home, the Istana Nurul Iman. His children have also been in the news for their expensive weddings and rich lifestyles. This has led to calls for boycotts of Brunei’s government-owned businesses by famous people.

“The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has a personal fortune estimated at $20 billion by Forbes.”

Religious Freedom and Minority Religions

Brunei’s constitution says Islam is the official religion. But, it also allows other religions to be practiced peacefully. Yet, the government has rules that make it hard for some religious groups to practice freely.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Baha’i Faith, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are banned. Non-Muslims can’t spread their faith openly. This is because the government controls religious materials tightly and can punish those who break the rules.

Restrictions on Certain Religious Groups

In Brunei, the population is mostly Malays (67.4%), followed by Chinese (9.6%), and others (23%). Christians make up 6.7% of the people, with 3.7% being Roman Catholics and 4% Protestants.

About 16,000 Catholics live in Brunei, mostly migrant workers and expatriates. Around 10% are locals, including ethnic Chinese and indigenous Bruneians.
Most Protestants in Brunei are Anglicans, followed by evangelical and charismatic Christians.
Christians in Brunei have ties to Spanish missionaries from the 16th century. They have a special bond with the Missionary Society of St. Joseph.

Even though Brunei’s constitution promises religious freedom, the government’s rules are a problem. These rules affect religious minorities, like the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Baha’i Faith, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Islamic Education and Institutions

Brunei has a strong system of Islamic education and institutions. They are key to the country’s religious and social life. In 1955, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III started the nation’s first religious school. This was because schools didn’t offer enough religious instruction.

The Mohammedan Religious Council was founded in 1948. It advises the Sultan on religious matters and oversees Islamic education. Brunei has many mosques and Islamic institutions, making its religious scene lively.

The 1991 census showed that 67% of Brunei’s population was Muslim. This made Islamic education and institutions very important. By 1999, there were 115 religious schools in Brunei. Islamic studies were taught in public schools for different hours each week, based on the student’s level.

Brunei’s dedication to Islamic education is shown in special institutions. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz al-Qur’an Institute and the Brunei College of Islamic Studies are examples. These places help keep and spread Islamic knowledge and practices.

“The Islamic concept of knowledge is divided into two categories: knowledge revealed by Allah through revelation and knowledge acquired through rational inquiry.”

Brunei and Southeast Asia have mainly followed traditional Islamic education. But, there’s a growing need to mix in Western educational methods. This change aims to improve critical thinking and innovation in Islamic schools. It seeks to balance divine and worldly knowledge, as Islamic scholars suggest.

Societal Attitudes and Practices

Brunei’s society is deeply rooted in Islamic values and guidelines. Both Muslims and non-Muslims face social pressure to follow Islamic norms and behaviors. The influence of Islam is widespread, with many mosques and suraus across the country.

This focus on Islamic conformity shapes Brunei’s social and cultural landscape. A recent study found that Islamic religiosity is key in shaping ethical behavior and judgment among Bruneian Muslims, especially in the workplace. The study aimed to examine Islamic Ethical Work Behavior in Brunei, focusing on the role of Islamic religiosity in predicting behavior within the unique context of Brunei’s culture and values.

Conformity to Islamic Guidelines

A Muslim youth group has been preaching to the LGBTQI+ community, urging them to “see the light” and become more pious. Those who wish to convert to another religion often fear being ostracized by friends, family, and community. This social pressure to adhere to Islamic principles is a significant factor in Brunei’s society.

Brunei’s homogeneity, unlike its more pluralistic neighbor Malaysia, makes Islam a dominant force in shaping societal attitudes and practices. The country’s national philosophy, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), emphasizes Malay, Islam, and Monarchy. This further reinforces Islam’s central role in Brunei’s social fabric.

“Limited studies exist on Islamic religiosity (IR) and Islamic ethical work behavior (IEWB) among Muslim populations in Brunei. Religiosity can predict ethical awareness, influence ethical judgment, and impact behavior in Brunei.”

Conclusion

Islam is a big part of Brunei’s culture, laws, and everyday life. It is the main religion and has a big impact on the country. The Sharia Penal Code and the Sultan’s role are key parts of Brunei’s system.

Even though the constitution says everyone can choose their religion, some groups face limits. The country’s Islamic identity and the need to follow Islamic rules shape its society. This shows how Islam influences Brunei’s policies and norms.

The Islamic influence is seen in many parts of Brunei. This includes its laws, education, and holidays. This mix of Islamic values and practices has made Brunei’s identity unique.

Islam in Brunei

History of Islam’s Arrival in Brunei

Sultan Muhammad Shah’s Conversion and Spread of Islam

Demographic Breakdown of Religious Affiliations