Religion in Brunei

Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. According to the CIA World Factbook, 79% of Brunei's population is Muslim. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 9% of the population is Christian and another 8% is Buddhist. The remaining 4.7% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions.[1]

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at night
  Islam (79%)
  Christianity (9%)
  Buddhism (8%)
  Other (Indigenous Religions, etc.) (4%)

Islam is the state religion of Brunei, but freedom of religion is guaranteed.[2] The right to practice privately is given to a plethora of religions.[2] Furthermore, some non-Islamic holidays, such as Christmas, are recognized.[2] However, these rights are limited: religious education is controlled, even in private schools, and any non-Islamic religious materials being distributed are subject to confiscation.[2]

The state madh'hab of Islam is the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence of Sunni Islam.[3] 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.[3] However, with the Sultan's permission, lawmakers may also consult the other three Sunni schools of fiqh.[3]

In Brunei, Non-Muslims must be at least 14 years and 7 months old if they want to convert to another religion. A minor will automatically become a Muslim if his parents convert to Islam. [4]

Religion in Brunei based on Ethnicity [4]
Ethnicity Muslims Christians Buddhists Indigenous Religion
Malays 100% 0% 0% 0%
Chinese N/A 20% 65% N/A
Indigenous Tribes 50% 15% 0% 35%
Foreign-Born 50% 35% 15% 0%
Total: 79% 9% 8% 4%

See also

References
  1. "Brunei". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. July 2018. Retrieved 2019-04-10.
  2. "Brunei". Background Notes. United States State Department. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  3. "Brunei". emory.edu. Emory. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  4. "Brunei". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2020-12-05.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.