MIB and Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam: An Overview

Abstract

This chapter discusses an overview of the history and development of MIB and Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam. Literature works has been identified and analysed to give and overall view on the development of both MIB and Islamic Education and it is concluded that the state portrays its own unique development of education blended of MIB identity and Islamic religion as a way of life. Islamic religion has been openly taught in Brunei since the fourteenth century. Presently, the Bruneian people practise Islam as a way of life. The teaching of Islamic education since the fourteenth century has been delivered through informal and formal methods at learning institutions from primary up to the tertiary levels in Brunei Darussalam. After Brunei Darussalam achieved her independence in 1984, the states declare its nation philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy known as Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The same year, MIB as a subject was added to the general school curriculum for both primary and secondary students across Brunei Darussalam and at present day it has been made as a compulsory module at higher institutions. The purpose of this curriculum change was to ensure that the Bruneian national identity remains well kept and developed among the Brunei people. The chapter also concludes by highlighting Brunei’s emphasis on science knowledge within the general school curriculum; apart from MIB and Islamic education, the nation has placed great emphasis on preparing the Bruneian children in the sciences, focusing on the development of holistic education without neglecting the importance of twenty-first-century skill building.