Answer to Written Question PT41

Reading Summary

📖 Reading time: 4 minutes
📊 Word count: 568 words

YANG BERHORMAT PEHIN ORANG KAYA JOHAN PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA AWANG HAJI ADANAN BIN BEGAWAN PEHIN SIRAJA KHATIB DATO SERI SETIA HAJI MD. YUSOF

QUESTION:

YANG BERHORMAT PEHIN ORANG KAYA JOHAN PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA AWANG HAJI ADANAN BIN BEGAWAN PEHIN SIRAJA KHATIB DATO SERI SETIA HAJI MD. YUSOF requests the MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS to state strategic steps in addressing challenges in the digital era and the ever-advanced and boundaryless social media platforms. This approach is more effective in collectively avoiding influences or deterioration and is also intended to further strengthen the adherence to the Aqidah Ahli-Sunnah Wal-Jamaah according to the Shafi'i school of thought practiced in this country.

YANG BERHORMAT MENTERI HAL EHWAL UGAMA

ANSWER:

In facing the rapidly growing challenges of the digital era, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (KHEU), through the Department of Shariah Affairs, Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB), and the Islamic Da’wah Centre, has taken various strategic steps to strengthen the Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in accordance with the Shafi‘i school of thought in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The increasing use of social media and advanced digital platforms has had a significant impact on the dissemination of religious information, whether correct or inaccurate. Therefore, efforts to monitor da’wah content, raise public awareness through social media, and enforce applicable laws are important steps to ensure the correct practice of religion.

In this regard, some of the strategic steps taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in addressing the challenges of the digital era in strengthening the Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in Brunei Darussalam are as follows:

1. Monitoring and Enforcement:

   a. Monitoring da’wah content on social media to ensure alignment with Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah teachings.

   b. Enforcing laws such as the Syariah Penal Code Order, Chapter 275 against the dissemination of unauthentic teachings.

2. Education and Awareness through Social Media:

   a. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok to disseminate authentic religious knowledge and raise public awareness about correct religious practices.

   b. KUPU SB is also actively conducting live broadcasts on Instagram and Facebook for knowledge sharing to the public.

3. Improvement of Quality and Dissemination of Religious Information:

   a. Publishing e-posters and infographics about religious services and sermons to facilitate understanding of religious issues.

   b. Regular monitoring of social media to identify and address teachings or information not aligned with the Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.

4. Collaboration with Radio and Television:

   a. KHEU introduced the "Religious Services" segment on Radio Television Brunei to educate the public about correct religious practices.

   b. Providing specific segments that offer explanations about religious services and address misinformation.

5. Utilization of Applications and Digital Platforms:

   a. Using applications like Mushaf Brunei and other social media platforms to disseminate accurate and recognized religious information.

In conclusion, the strategic steps taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in facing the challenges of the rapidly growing digital era and social platforms are crucial in ensuring the society in Negara Brunei Darussalam remains strong in their adherence to the Aqidah Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah according to the Shafi‘i school of thought. By wisely leveraging social media and digital platforms, as well as implementing effective monitoring and enforcement, it is hoped to prevent the spread of damaging information and ensure the society remains preserved from deviant influences. This approach not only benefits religious education and awareness but also strengthens the understanding of authentic religion among Muslims in this country, thus building a knowledgeable, educated society that firmly adheres to the true principles of Islamic teachings.