As Brunei’s sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, encourages Islamisation throughout society, pressure on Christians increases. The third stage of Sharia, or Islamic law, came into effect April 1, 2019. Attendance at Muslim prayers is mandatory for all, including converts to Christianity. This latest stage will affect every Muslim who converts from Islam to another faith. A fatwa bans the construction or renovation of buildings used for non-Muslim worship, while the authorities monitor and place restrictions on all churches (including registered ones). Importing Bibles and Christian evangelism are prohibited, as is celebrating Christmas.
Brunei takes another step towards full implementation of Sharia
Brunei’s Sultan and his Islamic Religious Council have approved a draft Criminal Code that brings the country another step closer to the full implementation of Sharia (Islamic law), the Borneo Bulletin reports. The draft outlines procedures for investigation, prosecution and the judiciary, and would facilitate the introduction of harsher punishments […]
What would Sharia mean for non-Muslims in Brunei?
The Sultan of Brunei has announced a controversial new law based on Islamic criminal punishments criticised by UN human rights officials and other human rights groups. “I place my faith in and am grateful to God the Almighty to announce that Thursday May 1, 2014, will see the enforcement of […]
Sharia postponed in Brunei
Brunei’s all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has postponed the introduction of tough Islamic criminal punishments that were due to begin on April 22. Brunei said in October that it would introduce Islamic law (Sharia) punishments including flogging, death by stoning and the severing of limbs for theft. No new date was given […]