Abdul Aziz Juned

• Politician
• poet

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Abdul Aziz Juned PSSUB DSLJ PHBS PBLI PKL
عبدالعزيز جونيد
Abdul Aziz in 2015
2nd State Mufti of Brunei
Incumbent
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.

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 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:

• Musuh Islam. Bandar Seri Begawan: Universiti Brunei Darussalam. 1986.
• Islam di Brunei[Islam in Brunei]. Bandar Seri Begawan: Pusat Sejarah Brunei. 1992.
• As Guest of Allah with Members of Brunei Royal Family: A Memoir. Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei History Centre. 1999. ISBN   978-99917-34-02-6.
• Dari Jendela Dunia: Kumpulan Puisi. Bandar Seri Begawan: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei. 2008. ISBN   978-99917-0-607-8.
• Melayu Islam Beraja: "Mahkota Negara". Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. 2011. ISBN   978-99917-33-96-8.
• Kerasukan: Merawat dan Mencegahnya. Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. 2012. ISBN   978-99917-33-57-9.
• Qanun Jenayah Syariah: Satu Pengenalan (2nd ed.). Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. 2014. ISBN   9789991760131.
• Berubat Dengan Perubatan Bumi dan Perubatan Langit. Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. 2015. ISBN   978-99917-33-80-7.
• The King who Shapes History. Bandar Seri Begawan: State Mufti's Office. 2017. ISBN   978-99917-60-55-1.
• Raja Melakar Sejarah. Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Mufti Kerajaan. 2017. ISBN   9789991760520.
• Di Mana Pun Adalah Bumi Allah. Bandar Seri Begawan: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei. 2020. ISBN   9789991769776.

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]

• ASEAN Cultural Award for Literary Works (1993)
• SEA Write Award (2000) ^[19]
• Anugerah Khas Penulisan Islam Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (27 June 2011) ^[20]
• Anugerah Tokoh Ugama bagi Tahun 1433 Hijrah (26 November 2011) ^[21]
• Anugerah Kesusasteraan Islam Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Ke-2 (25 November 2013) ^[14]
• Anugerah Perdana Penerbit Nusantara from the Yayasan Pembangunan Buku Negara  [ ms ] (10 December 2014) ^[16]
• Buku Terlaris 2014 (Kategori Ilmiah) at the Brunei Book Festival and Reading Culture Empowerment Carnival (2015) ^[22]

Honours

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

• Order of Islam Brunei First Class (PSSUB; 1984) – Dato Paduka Seri Setia
• Order of Islam Brunei Third Class (SSUB; 1982)
• Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Second Class (DSLJ; 1983) – Dato Seri Laila Jasa
• Pingat Bakti Laila Ikhlas (PBLI; 1982)
• Long Service Medal (PKL)
• Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal First Class (PHBS; 15 July 2010) ^[23]
• Honorary Doctorate in Literature from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (11 September 2007) ^[24]

References

1. "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.
3. Brunei Darussalam 2005-2009 (Part One). Bandar Seri Begawan: Department of Information. 2014. p. 313. ISBN   9789991749518.
4. Sidhu 2009, p. 225.
5. Müller 2018, p. 225.
6. 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. 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. 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.

• Asbol Mail (2024). Traditional Malay Monarchy. Abingdon: Routledge. ISBN   978-1-003-45954-5. LCCN   2024020546.
• Müller, Dominik M. (2018). "Bureaucratic Islam Compared: Classificatory Power and State-Ified Religious Meaning-Making in Brunei and Singapore". Journal of Law and Religion . 33 (2). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press: 212–247. ISSN   0748-0814. JSTOR   26855661.
• Müller, Dominik M. (2016). "Brunei in 2015: Oil Revenues Down, Sharia on the Rise". Asian Survey . 56 (1). Berkeley: University of California Press on behalf of the Institute of East Asian Studies: 162–167. ISSN   0004-4687. JSTOR   26364356.
• Müller, Dominik M. (2016). "Paradoxical Normativities in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia: Islamic Law and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration". Asian Survey. 56 (3). Berkeley: University of California Press on behalf of the Institute of East Asian Studies: 415–441. ISSN   0004-4687. JSTOR   26364367.
• Sidhu, Jatswan S. (2009). Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam (2nd ed.). Lanham: Scarecrow Press. ISBN   978-0-8108-7078-9.

Political offices
Preceded by Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz	2nd State Mufti of Brunei 1 September 1994 – present	Succeeded by Incumbent