Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of
the world’s richest men, ordered the introduction of sharia in Brunei last year
the world’s richest men, ordered the introduction of sharia in Brunei last year
Oil-rich Brunei has banned public
celebrations of Christmas, including sending festive greetings and the wearing
of Santa Claus hats. Muslims seen celebrating Christmas
and non-Muslims found to be organising celebrations could face up to five years
jail.
celebrations of Christmas, including sending festive greetings and the wearing
of Santa Claus hats. Muslims seen celebrating Christmas
and non-Muslims found to be organising celebrations could face up to five years
jail.
However the country’s non-Muslims,
who comprise 32 per cent of the 420,000 population, can celebrate Christmas in
their own communities on the condition that the celebrations are not disclosed
to Muslims.
who comprise 32 per cent of the 420,000 population, can celebrate Christmas in
their own communities on the condition that the celebrations are not disclosed
to Muslims.
Imams have told followers in the
tiny Borneo nation to follow a government edict last year banning celebrations
that could lead Muslims astray and damage their faith, according to the Borneo
Bulletin.
“These enforcement measures
are … intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and
openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community,”
the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement explaining the edict that
was published in the Brunei Times.
are … intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and
openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community,”
the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement explaining the edict that
was published in the Brunei Times.
The statement said non-Muslims
disclosing or displaying Christmas celebrations violated the penal code which
prohibits propagating religion other than Islam to a Muslim.
disclosing or displaying Christmas celebrations violated the penal code which
prohibits propagating religion other than Islam to a Muslim.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
