How did Brunei, which was Buddhist-majority for centuries, turn into an Islamic country by the end of the 14th century? How much religious freedom is there now?

Recently, PM Narendra Modi visited Brunei, where talks of partnership took place at many places. Sharia law prevails in this Sunni majority country. Here, propagation of any religion other than Islam or conversion is prohibited. All this is despite the fact that till about the fifteenth century, the Hindu and Buddhist population was more here. Know how such a big religious change happened.

The Asian country Brunei has a population of about 4.5 lakhs. This Malay speaking country was ruled by a Hindu-Buddhist empire since the 6th century. Many historians talk about this. British author Graham Saunders’ book A History of Brunei describes in detail how Islam spread here.

The influence of these empires was

As far as evidence is available, Srivijaya and Majapahit dynasties ruled here. These were Hindu-Buddhist empires, which were spread across South-East Asia. Their rule extended to Sumatra, Java and Philippines. Talking about Srivijaya, it was a very powerful sultanate based on sea trade, which was expanding through trade. Even Brunei was a very small state. Since the sea routes were ruled by Srivijaya traders, who were Hindu-Buddhist majority, Brunei was also affected by it. It can be said that religion made inroads in this country amidst trade cooperation and interaction.

which religion was the first

There is no definite information on which religion was prevalent here before the sixth-seventh century. Due to lack of documents, it is believed that tribal religious beliefs must have been prevalent here.

still has an impact on the craft

Since the Hindu-Buddhist empire was strong in terms of trade and culture, it also affected Brunei. Trade routes opened for it with big countries like India, China and other South Asian countries. The ports here started prospering due to the movement of foreign traders and ships. Talking about cultural prosperity, it affected art, architecture and craftsmanship. Even today its influence is visible from buildings to art.

In this way Islamic influence increased

Around the 13th century, the movement of Muslim traders increased in South-East Asia. The influence of the religion increased from the merchant class to the common people. Gradually, the influence of Islam started spreading. In the 14th century, King Awang Alak Betatar of Brunei also adopted Islam. His new name was Sultan Muhammad Shah. Only after this, this country officially became an Islamic country. Later rulers also continued to preach religion and a large population left Buddhism.

What is the connection with the Malacca Sultanate

It is mentioned in some places that Islam spread here from the Malacca Sultanate in Malaysia. Let us tell you that this Sultanate was founded in the 13th century by a Hindu king, who had fled to Malacca after the fall of the Srivijaya Empire. Later this king also adopted Islam. During trade relations, Islam also influenced Brunei from here.

How much religious freedom now?

At present, only 6 to 7 percent of the Buddhist population is left in Brunei among more than 80 percent Sunni Muslims. These are also not locals but people of Chinese origin, who have been living in Brunei for a long time. They can practice their religion while living here but in private. They cannot propagate their religion, nor can they celebrate any religious event on a large scale. There are only a few Buddhist temples left here, where minorities visit.

Sharia law was fully implemented in Brunei in 2014. There are many different rules under Islamic law, and Islamic studies are compulsory for the people living here. On the lines of Afghanistan or Iran, there is a religious police here, which keeps an eye on whether people are following Islamic law completely.