Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) recently hosted the National Arabic Language Mu’tamar 1446H (MuBaAraK 1446H) in celebration of Arabic Language Month, held every Syaaban.
The event was jointly organised by UNISSA, Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB), the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Islamic Studies Department (JPI) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), Rabitah International Alumni Al-Azhar Brunei Darussalam and the Brunei Darussalam Arabic Language Association.
Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim as a representative of the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Haji Hassan was the guest of honour.
MuBaAraK 1446H co-chairperson Dr Hajah Rafidah binti Haji Abdullah highlighted Brunei’s strong commitment through various institutions to preserving and promoting the learning and teaching of Arabic. She added that Arabic is an essential part of the country’s Islamic identity and culture and plays a key role in the development of knowledge and civilisation.
The event featured a forum with four panellists, including UNISSA Acting Assistant Rector (Research and International) and Ra’es of the Brunei Darussalam Arabic Language Association Dr Haji Hambali bin Haji Jaili; Head of Islamic and Arabic Language Education Unit, Curriculum Development Department at the MoE Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abdul Manaf; Religious Education Officer, JPI at the MoRA Martiniwati binti Haji Ahmad and Assistant Lecturer, Arabic Language Centre at KUPU SB Nurul Azimah binti Abdul Hamid. The event continued with the announcement of Dato Seri Setia Haji Kassim bin Haji Lamat as the recipient of the Tokoh Arabic Language. The event’s goal was to assess the development of Arabic language teaching in
Brunei, strengthen cooperation among institutions, and raise awareness and interest in learning Arabic, in line with the country’s Zikir Nation identity.
This year’s event built on the success of last year’s event, focused on the theme ‘Learning and Teaching Arabic: Privilege or Necessity’. – Fadhil Yunus
