| Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, Senior Special Duties Officer, Secretariat Office, MIB Supreme Council |
BRUNEI Darussalam is a country practising the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) way of life since 651 years ago.
The embracement of Islamic religion began when Sultan Muhammad Shah converted into Islam, but the strengthening of Islam started with Sultan Sharif Ali who became the third Sultan of Brunei, also known as Sultan Berkat (the Blessed Sultan). He was an Amir (Gebnor) of Makkah between 789 AH / 1387 AD until 797 Hijrah / 1395 AD (The post of Amir in Makkah began in the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
As an experienced leader, he intensified the implementation of Islamic laws based on Al-Quran and Hadith used until the present-day Brunei, even before the implementation of the Syariah Penal Code.
Based on the records of the Salasilah Sultan-Sultan Brunei version Datu Imam Ya’akub said that …Sharif Ali itulah Kerajaan, dinamai akan dia Paduka Seri Sultan Berkat dan Ialah mengeraskan syariat Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam dan berbuat masjid’ even said that he was responsible to set the direction of the Qiblah.
The strength of his grip on Islamic teachings and Islamic laws was evident based on the rules he passed during his reign, among them was the severe law imposed to Muslim (both royalty and commoners) who consume non-Halal food and adultery act. (Based on notes in ‘Notes on the Malay Archipelago and Malacca Compiled from Chinese Sources’).
Therefore, Sultan Sharif Ali is one of the pioneers of Islamic thought, culture and Fiqh. He spread Islam throughout Brunei (which was known as Borneo after the coming of the Western powers). He also founded Kota Batu, the old capital of Brunei Darussalam which had been destroyed by Spaniards during the Castilian War in 1578.
Sultan Sharif Ali and his successors implemented Islamic laws including the obligations of prayers which are the pillars of Islam that must be practised by every Muslim. It means that in a short period, he was able to rule the Sultanate according to the Principles of Islamic Syariah.
The glory of the Brunei empire in the reign of Sultan Sharif Ali until his son Sultan Sulaiman, his fifth grandson, Sultan Bolkiah and Sultan Muhammad Hassan, who established the Hukum Kanun Brunei (Brunei’s Law Code), shows the public acceptance of Malay Islamic Monarchy.
The implementation of Islamic law has created a state of peace and prosperity that is blessed as land of Baldatun Thayyibatun Warrabun Ghaffur that is mentioned in Al-Quran. Holding on to Islamic teachings and laws, Brunei became the centrepiece of Islamic dakwah and trading centre on the island of Borneo.
This is the result of practising MIB as way of life by obedience to Allah the Almighty, the Messenger and the leader (ulil-amri). As the word of Allah in Surah An-Nisa 59 verses which means:
“O you have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the last day. That is the best (way) and best in result.”
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam constantly reminds the people and residents of this country to practise and implement the teachings of Islam to keep the nation safe from the wrath of Allah the Almighty.
His Majesty advised the Muslims of the country to recite Al-Quran as daily practices, not just at home but even in the office every day.
By reading, understanding, and appreciating the content of Al-Quran, a servant will bring himself closer to Allah the Almighty in accordance with the concept of a Zikir Nation. Reading Al-Quran and practising all the teachings contained in it will guide us towards the straight path as mentioned in Hadith narrated by Imam Malik from Muslim bin Yasar Al-Juhari. Rasullulah (pbuh) said:
“I have left among you two matters which will never lead you astray as long as you hold to them: the Book of Allah and the tradition (Sunnah) of His Prophet.”
The adherence to Al-Quran and Hadith in daily life will give birth to individuals literate in words of the Al-Quran.
Those who know the Al-Quran will always be in the guidance and mercy from Allah the Almighty. As Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-An’am verse 155 which means: And the Quran is a book which We have revealed blessed, so follow him and keep your duty so that you may obtain mercy.
His Majesty prioritises the Taqwa and faith of the people of Brunei to preserve and strengthen the faith since 651 years ago.
History has shown the journey gone through by the Sultans and the people of Brunei in preserving the Islamic way of life and to preserve the purity of Islam. We are entrusted with this obligation in the era of globalisation today to preserve the sanctity of Islamic religion to support the ideals of our beloved King.
The historical scenario of our past can be used as our reference and His Majesty has reminded the people of this country to take lessons from the history of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his journey to spread the teachings of Islam.
We must be patient when facing all the challenges from the outside, especially those who do not understand Islam. We pray to Allah the Almighty for His protection. We also pray that those who have not yet understood Islamic religion may be guided. We sincerely pray so their heart may learn to accept Islam and Allah the Almighty.
Brunei is a peace-loving country with people coming from different races, cultures and religions but mutually unites and respects each other under the monarchy system. Historically, the people of Brunei Darussalam have adhered to Islam whereas other religions have enjoyed freedom of creed and rites that is being practised until the present day according to the Brunei Constitution of 1959. As His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said in conjunction with the Israk Mikraj celebration in 2019:
Beta ingin tegaskan, bahawa Negara Brunei Darussalam adalah sebuah negara yang molek, yang sentiasa mementingkan ibadat kepada Allah. Ia dipandu oleh sistem MIB yang telah pun berjalan sekian lama sejak ratusan tahun lagi. Sistem ini berkewajipan untuk memelihara dan menjamin semua hak rakyat dan penduduk tanpa mengira puak dan pegangan mereka. Inilah MIB, konsep keramat yang telah berjaya menjelmakan sebuah negara yang adil lagi bahagia, yang hidup didalamnya sebuah komuniti yang bersatu padu.
Sistem MIB juga telah terbukti amat mesra kepada dunia, sehingga siapa saja yang datang berkunjung ke negara ini akan beroleh pengalaman manis, dapat menikmati suasana aman dan harmoni serta layanan yang sebaik-baiknya.
Inilah hakikat Brunei, Negara MIB, dimana selain dari itu, ia bukanlah Brunei.”