Paper: Development of Islamic Institutions in Brunei Darussalam During 1946-2023: An Exploration of Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA)

Abstract

Historical records confirmed that from the 15^th to the mid-16^th century, the Sultanate Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) became a dominant regional power with sovereignty over the whole island of Borneo and the Philippines. During this period, there were a number of Sultans who were particularly active in the promotion of Islamic institutions. Today, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, 1967-2023, the twenty-ninth (29) leader of Brunei, has been constructing mosques, developing Islamic educational institutions and implementing the Shari’ah (Islamic law) in the country. This paper, examines contemporary religious educational institutions in Brunei, during Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. In specific, it explores the historical developments of Islam in the country, religious organizations and institutions, with focus on the developments of Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA).