Izah Azahari
One way to enhance dakwah is to not limit it to individuals who hold specific positions, particularly at the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI), as it is also necessary for the public to have access to da’ies (religious preachers or speakers) from outside sources.
This was shared by Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during yesterday’s Legislative Council (LegCo) session.
This was in response to a question raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong concerning the credentials of local da’ies and as to whether or not the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) regularly monitors them as well as da’ies that are invited from abroad.
The minister said these individuals may include those from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Islamic institutions of higher learning, or those who have graduated with relevant credentials.
To meet demand, the minister said individuals are permitted to request or invite a speaker, and the authorities responsible for accreditation will ensure that they are qualified and adhere to the appropriate limits and practices of Islam in Brunei.
Certification is required for all da’ies, including those invited from other countries.
The minister also said the committee responsible for accreditation evaluates applicants every year to ensure that they are qualified and are able to meet the needs of the community, and MoRA is particularly vigilant about inviting foreign da’ies, examining their records.
The government recognises the importance of providing qualified and reputable da’ies to meet the needs of the community, and guidelines and accreditation procedures have been established to ensure that da’ies, both local and foreign, are qualified and adhere to the appropriate practices of Islam in the Sultanate, he added.
