Brunei Darussalam continues to strive in the propagation of Islam to align with the country’s progress and the current global world, particularly by utilising modern communication such as the social media.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman highlighted this at the 9th Conference of Ministers of Waqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs in Makkah, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh.
The minister emphasised that the Islamic Da’wah Centre promotes sharing of Islamic knowledge via social media to align with Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah teachings, particularly the Mazhab Shafi’e. He also warned of potential dangers from social media.
The minister added, Brunei has initiatives to address these issues, including compulsory religious education from early childhood through higher education. The policy supports the National Education Policy and aims to combat teachings contrary to Islamic principles, supporting the nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values.
The conference, focused on promoting moderation, was attended by ministers, muftis and Islamic leaders from 60 countries who shared their experiences in promoting simplicity in religion and combating extremism. Brunei presented on ‘Modern Communication Methods and the Role of Ministries of Islamic Affairs and Waqaf and Ways to Prevent its Dangers’. – Rokiah Mahmud
