ASPECTS OF APPLYING THE PURPOSES OF SHARIA IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM: PRESERVING RELIGION AND MIND (INTELLECT) AS A MODEL

Abstract

The aim of this study was to highlight the aspects of the application of the objectives of Shariah in Brunei through realistic practical applications for the preservation of religion and the spirit (intellect) as well as the link between this and the policies of the state for the realisation of the religious and secular interests of the citizens under the motto “The State of Dhikr”. The Sultanate of Brunei strives to use the objectives of Shariah in interaction with reality and to free itself from the estrangement between the rules of Shariah and reality by transforming the objectives of Shariah from an instrument of Ijtihad confined to the pages of books into a social behaviour that shapes the behaviour of all members of society, with the aim of strengthening man’s connection with his Lord through collective participation in building the succession entrusted to man by Allah (s.w.a.). To achieve these objectives, the study is based on a descriptive analytical approach to religious issues and health care in Brunei Darussalam. It is divided into two sections: The first section: aspects of the application of Sharia objectives in the preservation of religion. The second section: Aspects of the application of Shariah objectives in the preservation of the spirit. The study concluded that the preservation of religion is a top priority for the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. This is evident from the following data: his designation of the Sultanate as the “State of Dhikr" and the adoption of the reading of the Quran and morning and evening prayers and their use on all official religious and other occasions as a good and followed tradition. This priority is also reflected in a number of state slogans, such as the national slogan: (Malay Islam Beraja) and (Always in service with God’s guidance), and the emblem of the Sultan's palace or the Sultan's personal emblem: which includes the name of Allah at the top of the slogan, and the Quranic verse: (Blessed be He in Whose hand is dominion). Al-Malik, 29. 1. The study also concluded that health care is one of the top priorities of the Sultanate, especially mental health care, which has recently become a topic of official royal speeches (TITA) praising the need for its care, as the mind is the basis of responsibility, so its neglect or disability is considered an obstacle to the whole system of life.