Islam in Brunei in the context of "Islam in Southeast Asia"

Play Trivia Questions online!

 or

Skip to study material about Islam in Brunei in the context of "Islam in Southeast Asia"
Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Islam in Brunei

Islam is Brunei's official religion, 83% of the population is Muslim, most of the other Muslim groups are Malay Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups), local Chinese and Dayak Iban converts. Islam was introduced to Brunei by traders arriving from Persia, Arabia, India, China and by the 14th century the royal house had by then converted to Islam.

The official religion of Brunei is Sunni Islam. With the noteworthy exception of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's tomb, which has been turned into a pilgrimage destination during Ramadan, Brunei Malay Muslims do not often revere saints or holy tombs, unlike in other Muslim societies. Brunei's pre-Islamic ancestor worship customs had an impact on the custom of visiting cemeteries during Ramadan to purify and offer prayers for the deceased.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Islam in Brunei in the context of Islam in Southeast Asia

Islam is the most widely practised religion in Southeast Asia with approximately 242 million adherents in the region (about 42% of its population), with majorities in Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as parts of southern Thailand and parts of Mindanao in the Philippines respectively. Significant minorities are located in the other Southeast Asian states like Singapore and Cambodia. Most Muslims in Southeast Asia are Sunni and follow the Shafi'i school of fiqh, or religious law. It is the official religion in Malaysia and Brunei while it is one of the six recognised faiths in Indonesia.

Islam in Southeast Asia is heterogeneous and is manifested in many different ways. In some places in Southeast Asia, Islam is adapted to coexist syncretically with already-existent local traditions. Mysticism is a defining characteristic of Islam in Southeast Asia, with Sufism having a large regional following. Mystic forms of Islam fit in well with already established traditions. The adaptation of Islam to local traditions is seen as a positive thing by Muslims in Southeast Asia. Islam is part of everyday life for adherents in Southeast Asia and is not separated from "non-religious realms". Southeast Asia is the global region with the highest number of Muslims in the world, surpassing the Middle East and North Africa. Islam in Southeast Asia is neglected in Western study of Islam which centers around the Middle East.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier

Islam in Brunei in the context of Sharif Ali

Sharif Ali (died c. 1432) or commonly known as Sultan Berkat (the Blessed Sultan), was the fourth sultan of Brunei from 1425 until 1432, the year of his alleged death. He ascended the Brunei throne in 1425, succeeding his father-in-law, Sultan Ahmad, who had no male heir. He significantly strengthened Islam in Brunei through his various measures. His efforts not only enhanced his own stature but also benefited the entire Bruneian populace. By reinforcing Islamic principles, he further solidified the Malay Muslim Monarchic concept. As the first Sultan to construct a mosque in Brunei, he is regarded as a pious leader who governed the country in accordance with Islamic law.

↑ Return to Menu

Islam in Brunei in the context of Muslim Southeast Asia

Muslim Southeast Asia refers to the areas of Southeast Asia that have significant populations of Muslims. It includes:

Culturally, it would also include the Malay people of Singapore (which was historically a Malay Muslim populated island), several (mainly coastal) ethnic groups of Sarawak such as Melanau, Bisaya, Narom, Seru, Miriek, Kedayan and Sarawak Malays, Cham people of Cambodia and Vietnam, and other Muslim community in Southeast Asia.

↑ Return to Menu
LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Islam in Southeast Asia ← Spread of Islam in Southeast Asia ← Sharif Ali ← Muslim Southeast Asia
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque → Islam → Kedayan → Ethnic Chinese in Brunei → Iban people → Persia → Arabia → Sunni Islam → Sultan of Brunei → Omar Ali Saifuddien III → Ramadan → Bruneian Malays →