Brunei's Rich Cultural Heritage And Traditions Explored

Brunei's culture is strongly influenced by Malay culture and Islam, with over two-thirds of the population being Malay, and Islam being the country's official religion. The country's traditions are therefore deeply rooted in Malay origins and Islamic teachings, reflected in its language, architecture, ceremonies, and customs. Brunei's blend of cultures, customs, and beliefs is similar to that of Malaysia, with Malay being the official language of both countries. However, English is also widely spoken in Brunei, and most signs are written in Roman script. The introduction of Islam has also added its own distinct artistic forms to Brunei's cultural landscape, with the nation's mosques and other Islamic sites containing some of the most striking examples of Islamic arts outside the Arab world.

Malay Islamic Monarchy

Brunei's culture is strongly influenced by Malay culture and Islam. The country's official ideology is known as Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) or Malay Islamic Monarchy. This unique blend combines Malay culture, the teachings of Islam, loyalty to the state, and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects.

The MIB is enshrined in the constitution and forms the backbone of Bruneian cultural identity. It aims to forge a stronger sense of identity, foster unity and stability, and promote respectful tolerance of other religions and beliefs. The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam, with the state's Ministry of Religious Affairs officially promoting the religion.

The Malay Islamic Monarchy is deeply rooted in Brunei's history, stretching back to the Old Malay World, a territory that covered the Malay Archipelago. Malay traditions are central to the ownership, culture, and life of Brunei, with the nation's official language being Malay. The introduction of Islam also dramatically changed Brunei's cultural landscape, adding distinct artistic forms, such as gilded Holy Korans, ceremonial items, and intricate mosaics that adorn several monuments.

Brunei's blend of Malay and Islamic traditions is evident in various aspects of daily life, including traditional attire, customs, and lifestyle. Malay men and women typically wear the baju cara melayu and baju kurung, respectively, during special occasions such as weddings, religious events, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, often in vibrant colours. These outfits reflect a combination of traditional elements and modern designs, showcasing the influence of both cultures.

The MIB also influences social interactions and behaviours. For example, showing respect for the elderly is a deep-rooted trait, demonstrated through actions such as bending slightly when walking past an older person. Handshakes, typically initiated by the younger person, are usually reserved for individuals of the same gender, and it is not customary to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Additionally, special rites and customs have been woven into the culture and lifestyle of Bruneian Malays to foster a sense of spiritual and communal belonging.

In conclusion, the Malay Islamic Monarchy is a fundamental aspect of Brunei's cultural identity, shaping the country's traditions, values, and social interactions. It reflects the nation's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting unity and respectful coexistence.

Islamic influence

Islam is the official religion of Brunei, with over 80% of the population identifying as Muslim, mostly Sunnis of Malay, Arab, and Indian origin. The country's official name, Negara Brunei Darussalam, translates to 'Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace'. The Islamic faith is central to the construction of Bruneian national identity, with the country's ideology, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or 'Malay Islamic Monarchy', invoking Islamic values to strengthen Brunei's absolute monarchy.

The emergence of Brunei as an Islamic polity dates back to the 14th century when the local ruler, Awang Alak Betatar (later Sultan Muhammad Shah), converted to Islam. Brunei became a Hashemite state when it allowed the Arab Emir of Mecca, Sharif Ali, to become its third sultan. Since then, Islam has been integral to the country's socio-political landscape, serving as a source of legitimacy and authority for its absolute ruler and contributing to maintaining loyalty to the system of governance and the hierarchical structure of Bruneian society.

In recent years, Brunei has received international attention due to its attempts to tighten and expand its Syariah criminal law, which has included highly controversial punishments for certain crimes, such as amputation for robbery and stoning for adultery, and the extension of these laws to non-Muslims. The Islamisation of law has faced little criticism within Brunei due to the monopoly on the official discourse of Islam, resulting in a monolithic understanding of the religion and a lack of internal discourse.

The Bruneian government actively promotes Islam in the country through its Ministry of Religious Affairs. Islamic studies are embedded into the state education system, and all pupils, regardless of their religious affiliation, are required to take classes on MIB and Islamic Religious Knowledge. Additionally, the government has implemented policies and programmes aimed at converting non-Muslim indigenous ethnic groups, further entrenching the role of Islam in the country's national identity.

Brunei's legal system is based on English common law but is influenced by Islamic jurisprudence, including Sharia law. The country's leaders have increasingly emphasised Islamic values and institutions, with the Sultan declaring it divinely mandated to create an Islamic Criminal Law Act. This has resulted in the implementation of Sharia-based laws that go beyond personal status matters and include sanctioned punishments for certain crimes, which, while already illegal, now carry drastically increased penalties.

The influence of Islam in Brunei is also evident in its cultural practices and social norms. As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of alcohol are banned, and non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited amount of alcohol for private consumption only. Additionally, non-Muslim places of worship are restricted from displaying visible signs of their religion outside their premises and are not permitted to proselytise or convert others to their faith.

Traditional attire

Brunei's culture is strongly influenced by Malay culture and Islam. The country's official religion is Islam, with two-thirds of the population practising it. The culture is also influenced by the country's demographic makeup: more than two-thirds of the population are Malay, and the remainder consists of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as the Murut, Bisaya Brunei, Brunei Dusun, and Kedayans.

The traditional attire of Brunei is a style of dress that has been in existence since the 15th century. The baju kurung is a loose-fitting long tunic worn over a long skirt. It is typically accompanied by a headscarf (tudung/tudong) that covers the hair, neck, and shoulders, leaving only the face exposed. This style is worn by women both at work and for formal occasions.

Bruneian men wear three different styles of the basic tunic and trousers combination called baju kurung: the baju kurung cekak musang, the baju kurung teluk belanga, and a third style with a handkerchief or a piece of cloth attached where the buttons are. This third style is rarely seen nowadays.

Another style worn by men is the baju cara melayu, which consists of a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers made of the same material. The shirt has a raised stiff collar known as the cekak musang collar. The baju cara melayu is traditionally worn with a sarong (or Malayan kilt) called a sinjang, which is wrapped around the waist and extends to the knees. It is often made of plaid or floral-patterned fabric.

Both men and women typically wear black hats called songkoks or folded scarves called dastars, especially for ceremonial occasions. The younger generation tends to opt for more modern cuts and designs while preserving the traditional elements and cultural heritage of these outfits.

Family values

Family is at the heart of Brunei's social structure. The Bruneian family is an extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family. Children are taught from a young age to respect their elders and to subjugate their own desires for the good of the family. They are also taught that it is through family support that they will accomplish their goals.

Brunei's culture is deeply intertwined with the Islamic faith and Malay culture, reflected in the country's architecture, ceremonies, and everyday life etiquette. The official religion of Brunei is Islam, and it has been influenced by the Malay Archipelago, with over two-thirds of the population being Malay. The remainder consists of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as Muruts, Bisaya Brunei, Brunei Dusun, and Kedayans.

The national philosophy of Brunei, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) or Malay Islamic Monarchy, combines the traditions of Malay culture with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects. This philosophy aims to forge a stronger sense of identity, foster unity and stability, and form the backbone of Bruneian cultural identity.

Bruneians are known for their warm and friendly nature towards visitors, and their strong family values. The community is tightly knit and conservative, with a sense of warm politeness evident in the way they speak, dress, and carry themselves.

Community

The Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), or Melayu Islam Beraja, is a key concept in Bruneian culture, blending Malay traditions with the teachings of Islam and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects. This national philosophy fosters a sense of unity and stability while also shaping the country's customs, ceremonies, and etiquette. Islam, as the official religion, plays a significant role in the lives of Bruneians, with religious rites and rituals observed devoutly by Muslims. The country's two royal mosques, the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, stand as symbols of the importance of Islam in Bruneian culture.

Brunei's community is also marked by its warm and friendly nature towards visitors. While the country maintains its conservative values and traditions, it also extends a welcoming attitude to those from outside its culture. This includes following certain guidelines, such as dressing modestly, respecting elders, and adhering to religious customs when visiting mosques or other religious sites.

The concept of 'gotong-royong', which means 'working together', is an important aspect of community life in Brunei. Regular events are held to bring people together to work on the upkeep of community-based places, such as cleaning campaigns for schools, mosques, and town halls. This spirit of collaboration strengthens the bonds within the community and reflects the country's focus on collective efforts for the betterment of society.

Additionally, traditional arts and handicrafts play a vital role in preserving and showcasing Brunei's cultural heritage. The Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre showcases some of the nation's finest handicrafts, including the famous 'kain tenunan', woven with golden and silver threads. The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery provides visitors with a glimpse into the village's past, highlighting the history, lifestyle, and crafts of the Kampong Ayer people. These efforts to preserve and promote traditional arts help to strengthen the sense of community and cultural identity in Brunei.

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