Rokiah Mahmud
The Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Faculty of Usuluddin is concerned with the current education issues, especially Islamic education, in the field of Usuluddin and remains committed to assist in providing solutions for the issues.
It is also hoped that information and ideas will be shared and collaboration will continue between the relevant parties to ensure the effectiveness of the Islamic studies curriculum – especially Usuluddin – so that it remains up-to-date.
This was said by Dr Norashimah binti Haji Omar as a representative for the Chairman of Multaqa Usuluddin Seminar in her welcoming address at the second – and final – session of the seminar yesterday.
The Multaqa Usuluddin Seminar, held on May 24 and 25, has rolled down its curtain following a closing ceremony at the KUPU SB Tarbiyah Hall. Rae’s of KUPU SB Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar was the guest of honour.
The seminar was organised by the KUPU SB Faculty of Usuluddin and the Department of Examination at the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The seminar’s first session saw a deliberation forum delivered by three panellists – including Associate Professor Dr Mohd Zahiri bin Awang Mat from Faculty of Usuluddin; Acting Assistant Director (Professional) of the Islamic Studies Department Pengiran Abdul Razak bin Pengiran Haji Metahir as a representative from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA); and Haji Ruzaidi bin Haji Mohd Daud from the MoE’s Department of Examination. KUPU SB Assistant Lecturer Dr Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi bin Haji Muluk acted as moderator.
Among points of discussion during the forum was the need for the Usuluddin curriculum to suit current developments as well as its potential application by students not only in the classroom but also in their daily lives.
The curriculum also needs to be coordinated with the Sultanate’s concept of a ‘Zikir Nation’ as well as the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
For this, several parties including MoRA and MoE as well as other educational institutions in the country along with stakeholders need to work together in drafting the curriculum for Usuluddin so that it remains relevant in present day and provides a specialised textbook for reference resources.
Dr Norashimah said awareness from all parties in realising on the importance of Usuluddin as knowledge would help build and empower Muslim identity holistically.
The seminar was hoped to strengthen and deepen the knowledge and studies of Usuluddin among lecturers and students.
Another objective of the seminar was to coordinate Usuluddin curriculum at pre-university levels under MoRA and MoE.
The seminar aimed to forge closer ties and understanding among scholars of Usuluddin in MoRA and MoE, as well as inculcate the spirit of working together as a team and promote closer ties among participants of the seminar.
