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In addition, non-Muslims are often co-erced to follow Islamic guidelines by social pressure, according to a 2020 Report by the US Embassy in Brunei. [6] [7] The Government of Brunei sponsored a multi-faith delegation to the ASEM Interfaith Dialogue in Cyprus in July 2006. The law discourages Muslims from learning about other faiths.
Brunei had solidified Islam by the 16th century, and Islamic components were incorporated into its legislation. [3] Brunei society saw a number of significant changes around the turn of the 18th century. With a strong and skilled sultan, the nation looked to the future with hope, despite its modest population of 12,000 to 25,000.
It has a legal system based on English common law, although Islamic law supersedes this in some cases. [4] Brunei has a parliament but there are no elections; the last election was held in 1962. [5] Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, the Sultan is the head of state with full executive authority.
The state madh'hab of Islam is the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence of Sunni Islam. [4] Most of Brunei's Muslim population subscribe to the Shafi'i school as well, and Shafi'i is a major source of law for the country. [4] However, with the Sultan's permission, lawmakers may also consult the other three Sunni schools of fiqh. [4]
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA or MoRA; Malay: Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama, KHEU) is a cabinet-level ministry in the government of Brunei which is responsible for the propagation of Islam and its upholding as the state religion, [5] as well as oversees the Islamic religious education in the country.
MIB is described as "a blend of Malay language, culture, and Malay customs, the teaching of Islamic laws and values and the monarchy system which must be esteemed and practiced by all". Islam is the official and state religion of Brunei; and MIB basically opposes the concept of secularism. [3] [4]
The State Mufti (Malay: Mufti Kerajaan) holds the highest authority in Brunei's religious governance. Unlike in many other countries, this position possesses the exclusive power to issue fatwas, or Islamic legal rulings, which carry enforceable authority within the nation. [1]
The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under a system known as Malay Islamic Monarchy, [6] while the state's Ministry of Religious Affairs officially promotes Islam in Brunei. [7] In 2014, Brunei controversially adopted Sharia law, becoming the first South-East Asian country to do so. [6]