Rokiah Mahmud
Maqasid Syariah, or the goals and objectives of Syariah, was the main focus of a special forum held yesterday to mark the Islamic New Year 1442 Hijrah.
Titled ‘Pengukuhan Maqasid Syariah Dalam Pemerintahan Negara dan Kepimpinan Ulul Amri’, the event highlighted the role of Maqasid Syariah in shaping governance and leadership in Brunei Darussalam.
The forum was held before a live audience at Radio Television Brunei (RTB)’s Dewan Raya and broadcast live via RTB’s television and radio channels including RTB Perdana, RTB Sukmaindera, Nasional FM, Rangkaian Nur Islam and RTBGo.
Apart from promoting the significance of Maqasid Syariah in the management and administration systems of every organisation in public and private sectors, the forum also highlighted the importance of strengthening Maqasid Syariah in all fields.
Maqasid Syariah is defined as the objectives or goals that are required by Islam in establishing a ruling, to protect maslahah or public interest. It also emphasises the five following elements: preservation of religion, preservation of life, preservation of intellect, preservation of progeny and preservation of property.
In Brunei Darussalam, Maqasid Syariah is not only limited to the administration of religious services, but is currently being implemented in every aspect of services and leadership in this country. It is also defined as pertinent to the country’s welfare, social security and national stability.
The forum was chaired by former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, with the panellists comprising Assistant Mufti (Buhuth) at the State Mufti’s Office Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yussof; Permanent Secretary (Economy) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin; Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin; and Adjunct Professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos.
As one of the event line-ups to mark the new Hijrah year, the special forum was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Legislative Council members, deputy ministers, and heads of departments comprising of permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and directors, as well as banking and academic experts.