Abdul Aziz Juned

Last updated

Abdul Aziz Juned
PSSUB DSLJ PHBS PBLI PKL
عبدالعزيز جونيد
Abdul Aziz Juned in 2015.jpg
Abdul Aziz in 2015
2nd State Mufti of Brunei
Assumed office
1 September 1994

Abdul Aziz bin Juned (born 22 December 1941), also known by his pen name Adi Rumi, is a Bruneian aristocrat, poet and politician. Serving as the State Mufti of Brunei since 1994, his appointment marked a pivotal moment in the country's Islamic governance, aligning with a strengthened focus on state-led Islamisation. Throughout his career, Abdul Aziz has been a staunch advocate for the application of Syariah law as a deterrent to crime and has played a key role in supporting the Syariah Penal Code Order (SPCO) 2013, underscoring his influence in shaping Brunei's Islamic legal framework.

Contents

Early life and education

Abdul Aziz bin Juned was born on 22 December 1941 in Kampong Setia Pahlawan Lama, a village within Kampong Ayer. He received his early education in Brunei before continuing his studies at Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in Singapore in 1955, Kolej Islam Malaya in 1962, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968. [1] [2]

Career

Abdul Aziz in 1971 Abdul Aziz Juned (1971).jpg
Abdul Aziz in 1971

Abdul Aziz held various roles early in his career with the Brunei government, including religious officer at the Department of Religious Affairs in 1970, head of broadcasting and information in 1971, and member of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council from 1971. He was appointed senior religious officer in 1976, a member of the Succession Council in 1978, and deputy chief kadi in 1983. Abdul Aziz became a member of the Privy Council on 17 April 1984, director of Syariah affairs in 1986, and deputy state mufti on 1 January 1989. [1] [3]

The appointment of Abdul Aziz Juned as state mufti on 1 September 1994 [4] marked a significant turning point in Brunei's Islamic governance, coinciding with an intensified effort toward state-led Islamisation. Abdul Aziz, alongside Mahmud Saedon as special advisor in Syariah affairs, emerged as one of the most influential ulama in Brunei's modern history. [5] As the nation's highest religious authority, his office holds the exclusive right to issue fatwas that are uniquely enforceable as law in Brunei. [6] [7] Succeeding former state mufti Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz, whose "strict" stance had steered Brunei toward a more orthodox Islamic approach, Abdul Aziz further deepened the state's Islamic discourse. His leadership aligned with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's assertion that no law or constitution could supersede the Quran. During this period, the groundwork for a comprehensive Islamic criminal law code was laid, with Abdul Aziz playing a central role in shaping Brunei's legal and religious framework. [5]

As the head of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council's legal committee, Abdul Aziz Juned played a pivotal role in shaping the country's Syariah reforms. [6] A key figure in Brunei's Islamic government, he promoted the SPCO 2013, highlighting in October 2013 that "Islam has its own human rights," which, he argued, are distinct from "man-made" rights. According to him, the latter are less universal and subject to change, whereas the rights guaranteed by Sharia law are timeless and unalterable. He stressed that genuine human rights are consistent with Syariah law, which presents them as enduring and fixed. [8]

Abdul Aziz was instrumental in establishing the SPCO 2013 as a model for Southeast Asia, with the hope that it would inspire neighbouring nations. Under his leadership, Brunei also launched an ASEAN network for Syariah court cooperation in 2013, bringing together countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Brunei's commitment to ensuring the SPCO aligns with established Syariah law principles is further demonstrated by the consultations it held with Islamic organisations in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Aceh. His contributions underscore his significant role in shaping Brunei's Syariah legal system and its influence in the region. [9]

In 2013, Abdul Aziz advocated for the application of Syariah law as a deterrent to crime, particularly supporting severe penalties such as hand-chopping and stoning. He argued that the purpose of these laws was not to punish, but to prevent crimes from spreading through society. Despite widespread condemnation from the United Nations, human rights organisations, and prominent figures such as US President Joe Biden, George Clooney, and Elton John, Abdul Aziz maintained that those who viewed the sanctions as harsh had misinterpreted their intent. He highlighted that the aim was not to violate human rights but to discourage criminal behaviour. [10]

On 4 January 2014, Abdul Aziz responded to critics of the SPCO, claiming that their comments were made without proper understanding of Islamic law. He dismissed the objections of online human rights organisations opposing the law's implementation as ignorant. He also addressed the issue of the headscarf in a speech in London, asserting that despite criticism, wearing the headscarf is a requirement in Islam, as prescribed by the Quran. Abdul Aziz praised Brunei’s decision to implement the alcohol ban, attributing blessings to the country. He concluded by urging students to prioritise regular prayers and Quranic study. [11] In a talk at International Islamic University Malaysia on 20 August, Abdul Aziz highlighted that non-Muslims often praise aspects of Syariah law, particularly the interest-free Islamic banking system. He expressed disappointment at the confusion among Muslims, noting that ignorance of the law leads to division and weakens Iman . He stressed that the key to overcoming this "faith crisis" is spreading accurate knowledge through speeches, publications, and talks. [12]

In 2015, amid global counter-terrorism efforts, Abdul Aziz condemned ISIS, stressing that Islam forbids bloodshed unless explicitly authorised by Syariah law. His firm stance reinforced Brunei's commitment to opposing extremist ideologies while upholding strict adherence to Islamic principles. [13]

Literacy career

Themes

Through his Islamic literary works, Abdul Aziz—known as Adi Rumi in the literary world—has made an impact on the development of language, literature, religion, culture, and his country. An advocate for the importance of literature and language, he has highlighted the need for "language heroes" to address the challenges facing the Malay language. [14] His writings frequently explore spiritual and cultural themes, promoting Islamic values and beliefs through the medium of literature. [15] Adi Rumi's works primarily engage with Syariah law, and the beauty of these legal systems, challenging misconceptions about their relevance and advocating for their application. Perintah Qanun Jenayah Syar'iah: Neraca Allah is a notable long poem that underscores the significance of Syariah law, emphasising justice and the all-encompassing nature of divine law. [16]

Selected works

Abdul Aziz has authored several books, with some of his selected works including:

Personal life

Abdul Aziz is married to Datin Hajah Maznah binti Haji Mohammad, and they have three children—two sons and one daughter. [1] Their daughter, Hanan, serves as the deputy dean of law and a lecturer at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. [17] His home is located at Jalan Mulaut, Mukim Sengkurong. [18]

Titles, styles and honours

Titles and styles

On 26 March 1983, Zain was honoured by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with the manteri title of Pehin Udana Khatib. He was later elevated to the title of Pehin Tuan Imam on 6 November 1984, and eventually to Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja on 9 May 1996. Each of these titles carries the style Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati. [1]

Awards

Abdul Aziz has been given the following awards: [1]

Honours

Abdul Aziz has been bestowed the following honours: [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pingat Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan</span> Honorary medal of Brunei

The Pingat Hassanal Bolkiah Sultan is an honorary medal of Brunei. The award is subdivided into two classes: the first class Darjah Pertama and the second class Darjah Kedua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State Mufti of Brunei</span>

The State Mufti 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz</span> Malaysian muslim scholar (1911–1994)

Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz was a Malaysian aristocrat and Muslim scholar who served as the first State Mufti of Brunei from 1962 to 1965 and again from 1967 until his passing in 1994. He is renowned for his profound contributions to Islamic scholarship, his instrumental role in shaping Brunei's religious landscape as its inaugural mufti, and his insightful fatwas that not only provided clarity on religious matters but also addressed broader ethical, social, and health concerns. His leadership and work strengthened the ties between Brunei and Johor, solidifying his legacy as a respected figure in both regions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Religious Affairs (Brunei)</span> Bruneian government ministry

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, as well as oversees the Islamic religious education in the country. It is currently led by a minister and a deputy minister, whereby the incumbents are Badaruddin Othman and Pengiran Mohammad Tashim respectively. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College</span> Public college in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

The Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien College (SOASC), natively known as Maktab Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (MSOAS), is a government boys' secondary school in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is the first English secondary school in the country. The school is also one of the only three boys' secondary schools nationwide, with the other two being Muda Hashim Secondary School and Ma'had Islam Brunei. The school provides five years of secondary education leading up to GCE 'O' Level and IGCSE qualification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kampong Kiarong</span> Village in Brunei

Kampong Kiarong or commonly known as Kiarong, is a village in Brunei–Muara District, Brunei, as well as a neighbourhood in the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan. It has an area of 383.43 hectares ; the population was 4,530 in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batu Satu</span> Area in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Batu Satu, also known as Kampong Parit, is an area in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is also a designated village in Brunei-Muara District, within Mukim Kianggeh. The population was 1,509 in 2016. It encompasses a commercial area of the capital. It is also home to the country's Supreme Court, as well as some of important Islamic religious educational institutions of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (Brunei)</span> Bruneian government ministry

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam is a ministry in the Government of Brunei Darussalam responsible for the policies and development of the country's national culture, youth, and sports. It was established immediately upon Brunei's independence on 1 January 1984. It is led by a minister, and the incumbent is Nazmi Mohamad who has held office since 7 June 2022. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan, in the Brunei-Muara District of the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Defence (Brunei)</span> Bruneian government ministry responsible for military and national security

The Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam, officially abbreviated as MinDef, is a cabinet-level ministry of the Government of Brunei. It is responsible for the national security and its military forces within the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; the latter collectively known as the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF); Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, (ABDB). MinDef is Brunei's ministry of defence; and was established on 1 January 1984, when Brunei Darussalam achieved independence from the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Defence leadership presently consists of a minister ; its incumbent is the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also the Supreme Commander of the RBAF / ABDB. A deputy minister is second-in-command at the Ministry of Defence.

The Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei, also translated as The Most Illustrious Islamic Religious Order of the State of Brunei, is an order of Brunei. It was established on 1 August 1968 by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for service in the propagation, preservation and strengthening of the Islamic religion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pengiran Anak Besar</span> Bruneian nobility (1928–2016)

Pengiran Anak Hajah Besar was a member of the royal family as the wife of Pengiran Anak Mohammad Alam and the mother of Pengiran Anak Saleha, the queen consort of Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th Sultan of Brunei.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Istana Darussalam</span> Palace in Brunei

The Istana Darussalam is the former residence of Omar Ali Saifuddien III and birthplace of Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. The palace is located at Jalan Darussalam, Kampong Sumbiling Lama, Brunei–Muara District, Brunei. The building has become a tourist attraction and currently under the protection of the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act of the Museums Department.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Damit of Brunei</span> Queen of Brunei from 1950 to 1967

Pengiran Anak Damit was the Queen of Brunei as the wife of the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abdul Aziz Umar</span> Bruneian civil servant and politician (born 1936)

Abdul Aziz bin Haji Umar is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician who held a wide range of positions in the government of Brunei. Before that, he served as the minister of communications, minister of education, and minister of health. Beginning his career in the civil service with his first appointment in 1964, he held various roles until Brunei's independence in 1984, including serving as the acting Menteri Besar of Brunei.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zain Serudin</span> Bruneian writer and politician (born 1936)

Mohammad Zain bin Haji Serudin, also known by his pen name Shukri Zain, is a Bruneian aristocrat, poet, and politician. He has been a member of the Privy Council since 2011. Zain previously served as president of the Brunei Youth Council (MPPB) from 1968 to 1976 and as minister of religious affairs from 1986 to 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pengiran Bahrin</span> Bruneian magistrate and politician (born 1946)

Pengiran Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Abbas is a magistrate and noble politician in the government of Brunei. He previously served as the first minister of communications from 1984 to 1986, the first minister of law from 1984 to 1998, and as Brunei's fourth attorney general from 1978 to 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pengiran Muda Hashim Abdul Rahman</span> Bruneian royalty (1907–1998)

Pengiran Muda Hashim was a Bruneian nobleman and politician who held several significant positions, including membership in the Privy Council, Legislative Council, and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. As a member of the Bruneian royal family, he was the husband to Pengiran Anak Puteri (Princess) Besar, the daughter of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II. He was named Wazir in 1952 and served on the executive committee for the coronation ceremony of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, acting as Sultan during the late Sultan's foreign tours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ali Mohammad Daud</span> Bruneian politician and diplomat (1936–2018)

Mohammad Ali bin Haji Mohammad Daud was a Bruneian aristocrat, politician and diplomat whom formerly served as the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 1986 to 1989, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1989 to 2005. Additionally, he was a member of the Islamic Religious Council, director of several Bruneian banks and the President of the Brunei Scouts from 1974 to 1979.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yahya Ibrahim</span> Bruneian poet and politician (1939–2022)

Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim, also known by his pen name Yahya M.S., Bruneian aristocrat, Syariah judge, poet, and politician. He served as the deputy minister of religious affairs from 1986 to 2005 and held several key positions in the Bruneian government throughout his career. Notably, he was the first vice president of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) until 1975 and also a member of the Privy Council.

<i>Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara</i> Department in charge of customs and ceremonies of Brunei

The Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara is a government department under the Prime Minister's Office that functions to guarantee the constant maintenance of Royal Customs. It has been translated literally as the Office of State Customs, the Department of the State Customs or the State Department of Customs and Traditions, even though it does not have an English name. In order to guarantee that the practice and implementation, particularly the Istiadat Diraja, are always in accordance with the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja, preaching and teaching the public through lectures, briefings, and workshops on Adat Istiadat (Customs) are regularly held.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Mufti Kerajaan". www.mufti.gov.bn (in Malay). Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  2. State Of Brunei Annual Report 1976. Bandar Seri Begawan: Asia Printers. 1976. p. 309.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  3. Brunei Darussalam 2005-2009 (Part One). Bandar Seri Begawan: Department of Information. 2014. p. 313. ISBN   9789991749518.
  4. Sidhu 2009, p. 225.
  5. 1 2 Müller 2018, p. 225.
  6. 1 2 Müller (1) 2016, p. 166.
  7. "Sejarah Penubuhan Jabatan Hal Ehwal Syariah". www.religious-affairs.gov.bn (in Malay). Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  8. Müller (3) 2016, p. 430.
  9. Müller (3) 2016, p. 437.
  10. Asbol Mail 2024.
  11. Faiq Airudin (4 January 2014). "Syariah law critics do not understand Islam: Mufti". www.bt.com.bn. The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  12. Izzan Kassim (20 August 2014). "Islamic law is respected even by non-Muslims: Mufti". www.bt.com.bn. The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  13. Müller (1) 2016, p. 167.
  14. 1 2 Haniza Abdul Latif (26 December 2020). "Penghormatan untuk Adi Rumi" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 6. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  15. Syahmi Hassan (22 December 2020). "Majlis Multaqa hargai Sasterawan Brunei". mediapermata.com.bn (in Malay). Media Permata Online. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  16. 1 2 Osman Abu Bakar (5 January 2015). "Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan terima Anugerah Perdana Penerbit Nusantara" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 5. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  17. "UNISSA Expertise". unissa.edu.bn. Bandar Seri Begawan: Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali. Archived from the original on 31 July 2024. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  18. "State Mufti receives Raya visit from Singapore delegation". borneobulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. 29 June 2017. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  19. "Pengiktirafan – Anugerah Penulis Asia Tenggara (S.E.A Write Award)". www.dbp.gov.bn (in Malay). Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  20. Rohani Haji Abdul Hamid; Lina Hafizah Haji Jumat (29 June 2011). "Empat penulis menerima Anugerah Penulisan Islam YSHHB" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 4. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  21. Siti Muslihat Haji Salleh; Haji Ahmad Haji Salim (28 November 2011). "Empat tokoh terima Anugerah Tokoh Ugama dan Anugerah Bakti Hijrah" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 3. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  22. Khartini Hamir (2 March 2015). "DBP kembangkan masyarakat celik ilmu pengetahuan" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 19. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  23. Hezlinawati Haji Abd. Karim (17 July 2010). "13 penerima dikurniakan PHBS" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 15. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  24. Aliddin Haji Moktal (19 September 2007). "Kualiti universiti diukur dari pengajaran, pembelajaran" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 4. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
Political offices
Preceded by 2nd State Mufti of Brunei
1 September 1994 – present
Succeeded by
Incumbent