Brunei

Islam in Brunei Darussalam is the official state religion and deeply influences the country’s laws, culture, and daily life.

Overview:

  • Religion: Around 80% of Brunei’s population are Muslims.
  • The majority are Sunni Muslims following the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence.
  • Islam is the state religion, according to the Constitution of Brunei.

Historical Background:

  • Islam arrived in the 14th century, when the local ruler converted to Islam and became the first Sultan of Brunei.
  • The Brunei Sultanate became a powerful Islamic kingdom that controlled much of Borneo and the southern Philippines during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Islam and the State:

  • Sultan of Brunei: The Sultan is not only the head of state but also regarded as the Supreme Defender of Islam (Amir al-Mu’minin) in the country.
  • In 2014, Brunei became the first East Asian country to officially adopt parts of Sharia law on a national scale.
  • These laws apply only to Muslims in areas like family law, marriage, and moral behavior.
  • Some controversial Sharia penalties (like stoning for adultery) exist in law but are rarely enforced.

Islamic Practices in Daily Life:

  • Islamic principles guide dress codes, public behavior, and business operations.
  • Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) are mandatory for Muslim men, and government offices, schools, and businesses close during prayer time.
  • Ramadan is strictly observed, and eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.

Islamic Education:
Islamic studies are compulsory in all schools for Muslim students. The country has several Islamic educational institutions, such as:

  • Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA)
  • Religious schools (madrasas) and Quranic classes for children.

Islamic Architecture and Culture:
Brunei is home to majestic mosques, such as:

  • Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (a national symbol)
  • Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (the largest mosque in Brunei)

Public celebrations of Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year (Hijri), and Maulidur Rasul (Prophet’s birthday) are major national events.

Religious Tolerance:

  • Non-Muslims (about 20% of the population, including Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous beliefs) can worship but proselytizing to Muslims is prohibited.
  • Building new non-Muslim religious sites requires government approval.

Notable Aspects:

  • Brunei enforces the “Malay Islamic Monarchy” (Melayu Islam Beraja) ideology—a unique political philosophy combining Malay culture, Islam, and monarchy.
  • Alcohol is banned for Muslims (non-Muslims can import limited quantities for private use).

Brunei
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .bn
Country Code: +673