CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

  

Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) translates into Malay Islamic Monarchy; it is uniquely Bruneian in that it blends the best traditions of the Malay culture with the religious teachings of Islam, loyalty to the state and a mutual respect between ruler and subjects. This national custom is aimed at forging a stronger sense of identity among Bruneians as well as to foster unity and stability. With His Majesty the Sultan being the head of the Adat Istiadat (customs and tradition), MIB has thus been enshrined in the constitution.

A Culture Influenced by Islam

Brunei Darussalam has a history that stretches far back to the Old Malay World. It is thus bestowed with a heritage of traditions and customs - influenced by Islam as that is the main religion of the Malay Archipelago - behavioural traits and forms of address.
Being an Islamic monarchy, religious rites and rituals are devoutly observed by all Muslims.
Non-Muslims who live in the country or who are visiting are expected to give
their due respect.

Brunei's great royal mosque, the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, is one of the wonders of Islam.
A gift to the nation from His Majesty, its pure magnificence is unequalled. Equally impressive is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built by the Sultan's father in the 1950's. Together, the two royal mosques symbolise the role of Islam in the very heart of Bruneian life and culture.

Brunei stresses upon the importance of upholding the nation's heritage in the form of titles
and royal regalia, carvings and the architectural design of buildings to ensure that the legacy is passed down from one generation to the next without losing its essence in modernisation.

By holding this tradition, His Majesty introduces his kingdom to the world as the oldest Malay state on the island of Borneo, like a pearl cultured in an oyster of traditions kept intact.
One only has to attend a Bruneian wedding ceremony and celebration to see the elaborate customs in a three or four-day affair draped in rituals.

Customs and lifestyle

Special rites and customs have been woven into the culture and lifestyle of all Bruneian
Malays to inculcate. a sense of spiritual and communal belonging.

According to the firm belief in modesty, Malay women should not expose any part of their bodies except the face and hands. Therefore, casual western clothing can often seem immodest to Muslims, and attire that is revealing should not be worn in religious places.
Shorts are appropriate at the swimming pools and beaches but not shopping centres, public places and offices.

It is also impolite to eat or drink while walking about in public, except at picnic or fairs.
Both pork and alcohol are forbidden to Muslims by the laws of Islam. Any meat consumed by Muslims must be Halal.

The Correct Behaviour

It is not customary to shake hands with members of the opposite sex, so it is wise to wait until, and if, the other person's hand is offered first. On no account should a person touch anyone, including small children, on the head as this is regarded a very disrespectful act.

When entertaining Muslim guests, avoid holding parties or gatherings on Thursday evenings, which is the eve of Friday - the holiest day of the week.

Thursday evenings are usually given to solemn activities and religious ceremonies as a lead-up to the holy day. It is considered thoughtful to avoid making too much noise immediately after sunset each day, as this is the time of evening prayer for Muslims in one's neighbourhood.

If a Muslim invites you to his or her home for Hari Raya (a Muslim celebration), a wedding or a dinner party, he or she is sincere and anticipates your attendance. If sent an invitation, you should arrive on time or within 20 minutes of the stated time and dress conservatively.

Non-Muslims are welcome to visit Muslim friends during the Hari Raya celebration, which is a time to seek forgiveness for past offences and to wish 'Selamat Hari Raya'. When passing in front of people, especially the elderly and those senior in rank, it is courteous and respectful to bend (as if one is bowing) with one arm straight downwards along the side of the body while walking across.

Intimacy in public is certainly not an acceptable behaviour. While certain expressions of affection are practiced and acceptable, kissing in public is a taboo.

Marriage is regarded as official and legal once the Membaca Nikah ceremony is over.
To finalise a wedding, a Bersanding ceremony takes place on a day following the Nikah.

The polite way of beckoning someone is by using all four fingers of the right hand with the palm down and motioning them towards you. It is considered extremely impolite to beckon at someone with the index finger.

The Istana Nurul Iman, the residence of His Majesty the Sultan, is open to the public for
three days beginning the second day of the Hari Raya celebration. This is a great opportunity to greet the royal family in person. It is considered a highlight of the year for many Bruneians
and is a much-respected practice.--Courtesy of Brunei Year Book