Conversion to Islam: The case of the Dusun ethnic group in Brunei Darussalam Asiyah az-Zahra Ahmad Kumpoh Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Sociology University of Leicester July 2011 i Abstract Conversion to Islam: The case of the Dusun ethnic group in Brunei Darussalam Asiyah az-Zahra Ahmad Kumpoh A literature review on the conversion studies reveals that most models of religious conversion postulate Christian-centric and western-centric perspectives. One of these models is the seven-stage Rambo Model. This study‟s main objective is to critically engage the Rambo Model in exploring the conversion process of the Dusun Muslim converts in Brunei Darussalam and to answer the first research question that seeks to find out the actual definitions of the conversion stages as how they had been typically experienced by the converts. The model‟s framework is further tested by the second research question which aims to identify the determinant that explains the variations and similarities found in the stage sequence of the conversion process of the Dusun Muslim converts in comparison to those occurring in different religious settings. Drawing on the qualitative data obtained through interviews and the utilisation of relevant literature, the case study of the Dusun Muslim converts confirms the cultural specificity issue inherent in the Rambo Model. Some theoretical changes were suggested where a new concept of contextual components and of culture-free definitions of the stages were added to the model‟s framework. This modified version of the Rambo Model was found to be effective in demonstrating that the actual definitions of the conversion stages of the Dusun Muslim converts are unique and distinctly specific, principally due to the effects of Brunei‟s majority-religion context. The theoretical changes of the model were also useful in explaining the variations and similarities in the stage order of conversion process occurring in different religious settings. Thus, by presenting a non-Christian and non-western case study of religious conversion, this study concludes that a more generic version of the Rambo Model can actually be formulated and be utilised by future research undertakings. ii Acknowledgments There is a long list of individuals and institutions deserving my gratitude but at the outset, I am indebted to the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‟izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, whose generous scholarship has made this study possible. I would like to express my appreciation to Awang Metussin bin Haji Bakir (Deputy Registrar, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, (UBD)), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Gary Jones (Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, (FASS) UBD), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail (former Programme Leader of Historical Studies, FASS, UBD) for their assistance in securing the scholarship. Immense appreciation is also given to the officers at the Training and Recruitment Section, Brunei High Commission in London: Awang Haji Amir Azman POKPS DP Haji Abdul Rahman (Third Secretary), Awang Ismail Adenan (Welfare Officer) and Dayang Sabarina, for their indispensible assistance in administering the scholarship, and for their genuine caring and concern during my four-year stay in the United Kingdom. I owe my deepest gratitude to Dr. Edmund Chattoe-Brown for his excellent supervision of my research endeavor. His intellectual curiosity, stimulating criticisms and insightful feedbacks have been very instrumental in making the production of this thesis a thoroughly rigorous and thought-provoking learning experience. His tremendous research knowledge has helped me to adopt a better attitude towards critical thinking and disciplined inquiry, and I took his constant reminder that „writing a thesis is a bit like packing a suitcase‟ as an instruction to myself to ensure I did not compromise the core focus of the research with superfluous materials. I am indebted to him more than he knows. My sincere appreciation to the members of the thesis committee meeting: Prof. Ellen Annandale, Prof. Carlo Ruzza, and Dr. David Bartram for sharing their ideas and providing me with sound and helpful comments at the various stages of my study. Their advice and suggestions have significantly contributed to the final production of this thesis. iii I also greatly acknowledge Mrs. Nita Sudra, Postgraduate Secretary of Sociology Department, for her outstanding management of the administrative aspects of my study. Due recognition should also be given to the officers at the Islamic Da’wah Unit in Tutong District for generously providing the extensive data on the Muslim converts in the district. Special thanks and acknowledgments are extended to Awang Haji Abas bin Awang Haji Tuah, former Head of the Islamic Da’wah Unit Tutong, Awang Adol bin Tinggal and Awang Noorsaini bin Haji Idris, the religious officers of the Unit, for their positive cooperation and expert advice during the data collection process of this study. My sincere appreciation goes to all 60 informants who were involved in this study whose time and valuable contribution is vital for the success of this study. While the focus of the interviews with these informants has never been away from the scope of the study, the inevitable acquisition of insights that are beyond the context of the research has made me realised the apparent knowledge gap I actually have in regard to my own ethnic group. To learn and to understand my ethnic roots from various perspectives is a definite eye-opener and an education in reality. The life experiences of these 60 individuals will always be a part of the collective history of the ethnic group and of the country as a whole. I am eternally grateful to the following individuals: Prof. Habil. Johannes L. Kurz, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iik Arifin Mansurnoor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. B.A. Hussainmiya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail, Dr. Paul Brumpton, Dr. Nani Suryani binti Haji Abu Bakar, and Awang Ismail bin Nordin, all of Historical Studies, FASS, UBD; Dr. Frank Fanselow of Sociology Department FASS, UBD; and Dr. Haji Mohd. Yusop bin Haji Awang Damit. Each one of them has played a major role in my academic life and achievements for the past fifteen years and I am grateful for their unflagging support in fostering my academic and professional growth as an educator and a researcher. iv I express my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Haji Noor Azam bin OKMB Haji Othman, Director of Language Centre, UBD, who proofread the thesis during its final assembling process. My time in Leicester has been made enjoyable in large part due to the friendships I have made. Hajah Hartini binti Haji Mohd Yusof who helped me to settle down when I first arrived in Leicester four years ago; Mariani binti Haji Abu Bakar, Jumimah binti Haji Jumat, Hajah Zirwatul Fadhilah binti Haji Puteh, Pg. Nor Zamzam binti Pg. Hassan, and my PhD colleagues, Miss Salima Murji, Mrs. Sameen Masood and Mrs. Midori Kino, all who have been a tremendous source of support, optimism, laughter and good advice that has made the production of this thesis much more bearable and indeed rewarding. Finally, words cannot express my gratitude to my dearest ones: my parents, Haji Ahmad Kumpoh bin Labu and Hajah Dayang Siti Nor Intan binti Agal, and all my siblings, Haji Mohd. Limon, Haji Mohd. Harun, Hajah Siti Rohani, Hajah Nurul Inani, Hajah Amal Nuriyah, Nur Afiatul Simaa, Nur Hanani and Hajah Nurin Adlina and their families, for their love and blessing throughout my life, and even more so during the entire duration of my study. They have always been by my side, faithfully supporting and motivating me tirelessly to do my best and to be the best I can be. I owe my success to them all. v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................. i Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................. ii Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. v Maps, Screenshots, Diagrams and Tables ......................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction to the Study .......................................................................................... 1 1.2 Rationale for the Study ............................................................................................. 1 1.3 Main themes of the Study ......................................................................................... 3 1.4 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................. 4 1.5 Research Questions ................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Value and Importance of the Study .......................................................................... 5 1.7 Chapter Organisation ................................................................................................ 6 Chapter 2: About Brunei Darussalam and the Dusuns ......................................................... 9 2.1 Introduction to the country of study: Brunei Darussalam ......................................... 9 2.2 The Dusun ethnic