See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332833905 'MELAYU ISLAM BERAJA' THE MALAY ISLAMIC MONARCHY IN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRIOR TO 1906: A HISTORICAL STUDY Book · May 2019 CITATION READS 1 2,299 1 author: Asbol Mail Universiti Brunei Darussalam 74 PUBLICATIONS 7 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Laporan Tujuh Serangkai View project All content following this page was uploaded by Asbol Mail on 03 May 2019. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. ‘MELAYU ISLAM BERAJA’ THE MALAY ISLAMIC MONARCHY IN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRIOR TO 1906: A HISTORICAL STUDY Published by Brunei Historical Society (PESEBAR) c/o Historical Studies Program, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Negara Brunei Darussalam © Brunei Historical Society, 2019 First Printing April 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, typing on information and retrieval system without the prior written permission from The Principal of the Brunei Historical Society, Bandar Seri Begawan. The published writing does not represent the views of the publisher, coordinator and editor. All views and statements in the book are the responsibilities of the writers solely. Perpustakaan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei Pengkatalogan Data-dalam-Penerbitan ASBOL bin Haji Mail, Haji ‘Melayu Islam Beraja’ The Malay Islamic Monarchy in Negara Brunei Darussalam Prior to 1906: A Historical Study / Professor Madya Dr. Haji Awg Asbol bin Haji Mail...[et al.]. -- Bandar Seri Begawan : Brunei Historical Society, 2019. 123 p. cm ISBN 978-99917-961-8-5 (Softcover) 1. Brunei Darussalam--History--19th century--Melayu Islam Beraja 2. Brunei Darussalam--Kings and rulers--History 3. Brunei Darussalam-- Politics and government--19th century I. Title II. Ampuan Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah, Haji III. Nani Suryani binti Haji Abu Bakar IV. Asiyah Az Zahra binti Haji Ahmad Kumpoh, Hajah V. Tassim bin Haji Abu Bakar, Haji 959.55 ASB (DDC 23) Design Cover Abdul Ajihis Haji Terawih Font: Times New Roman 10/11 Typeset and Layout: Qasrun Nafis Publishing House Printer: Akbar Printing, Brunei Darussalam Distributed by Qasrun Nafis Publishing House MPC PO Box 1, Old Airport Government Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910, Brunei Darussalam ‘MELAYU ISLAM BERAJA’ THE MALAY ISLAMIC MONARCHY IN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRIOR TO 1906: A HISTORICAL STUDY Written by Assoc. Professor Dr. Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail Assoc. Professor Ampuan Dr. Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah Dr. Nani Suryani binti Haji Abu Bakar Dr. Hajah Asiyah Az Zahra binti Haji Ahmad Kumpoh Dr. Haji Tassim bin Haji Abu Bakar Published by CONTENT 1 Introduction 1 2 The Relationship between the Malay Race and 3 MIB 3 The Origin of the Malay Race 7 4 Islam and Its Relationship with MIB 18 5 The Malay Monarchic Institution 36 6 The Brunei Monarchic Institution 41 7 The Brunei Monarchic Institution from 9th to 46 16th Century 8 Civil War 51 9 The Downfall of the Brunei Monarchic 53 Institution in the 19th Century 10 Rebellion in Sarawak 56 11 Brunei The Soul of Limbang, Limbang the 59 Body of Brunei 12 Supplementary Agreement of 1905/1906 64 13 Traditional Customs 66 14 Customs of the Coronation 73 15 The Custom of Knighthood 81 16 Wedding Customs 86 17 Royal Funeral Customs 88 18 The Law 90 19 Conclusion 104 ABSTRACT The Islamic Malay Monarchy (MIB) which became the nation’s official concept in 1984 has fundamentally manifested before 1906. MIB elements in 1368 CE since the Islamisation of Awang Alak Betatar, until 1906 CE can be traced in terms of the existence and role of race, language, Islam, monarchy, customs and law. In terms of race and language, it is evident that Malay, as one of the MIB components before 1906, has emerged over tens of thousands of years ago. The eminence of Islam was not only supported by the Sultans of Brunei until 1906 but also gained solid cooperation from the preachers and the local people until it became a way of life for the Brunei people. The Sultans of Brunei before 1906 also played a role in strengthening and expanding the customs of the people of Brunei until they became part of the MIB elements of this period. FOREWORD Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala that this book “THE MALAY ISLAMIC MONARCHY IN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRIOR TO 1906: A HISTORICAL STUDY” has successfully been published by The Brunei Historical Society (PESEBAR). This book is the second book in the English language that the Society has published individually. The study of the history of MIB in terms of the roles of race, language, Islam, monarchial institution, customs (adat istiadat) and laws, has hitherto not much studied previously. Hopefully this book will give more insight and understanding of the existence of the MIB before 1906. This will reinforce the rationality of the country's claim to declare MIB as the national concept embraced by every layer of society in the country. A continuous research without stopping must be undertaken from time to time so MIB's history continues to shine. Hopefully, the benefits of this book will be achieved not only among historical researchers but also to lecturers, students and enthusiasts of history especially in MIB research. In conclusion, my heartiest congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Haji Awg Asbol bin Haji Mail, Associate Professor Ampuan Dr. Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah, Dr. Nani Suryani binti Haji Abu Bakar, Dr. Hjh Asiyah Az Zarah binti Haji Ahmad Kumpoh and Dr. Haji Tassim bin Haji Abu Bakar. for working hard and diligently in producing this book. May all your efforts will be rewarded and blessed by Allah. Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr. Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim The Principal Brunei Historical Society (PESEBAR) PREFACE Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala (exalted and glorified is He) who has blessed us with His mercy and guidance. Salutation and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam (peace be upon him), his family, friends, and disciples. With His blessings, this book has been successfully published for the reading pleasure of all layers of society in our beloved Negara Brunei Darussalam, and especially for enthusiasts of the country’s history. Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) which officially became a state concept in 1984 has actually existed before 1906. The elements of MIB which has been in existence since 1368 when Awang Alak Betatar became a Muslim, until 1906 can be traced in terms of the existence and roles of race, language, Islam, monarchial institution, customs and laws. These five aspects are the main focus of this book’s discourse. In terms of race and language, it is evident that Malay as one of the MIB components before 1906 has emerged over tens of thousands of years ago. Meanwhile Islam is said to have emerged among the people of Brunei since the 10th century. The elements of MIB became increasingly enriched when Awang Alak Betatar became a Muslim with Brunei itself then becoming a Malay Islamic Sultanate and this has become an important way of life of the Brunei community until 1906. The Sultan of Brunei before 1906 also played a role in strengthening and expanding the customs of the people of Brunei until it became part of the MIB elements. However, the most important event is when the laws of the nation became elements of MIB as a symbol of the sovereignty of a ruler also included elements of Islam. Hence embedded within the laws are customary laws and Islamic laws making it support the elements of MIB before 1906. This book was intentionally written as a commemoration for all political events of our country, Brunei Darussalam especially in in exhorting and strengthening the acceptance of the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept. Hopefully this effort will be blessed by Allah and become a wakaf of knowledge and charity from us, the authors. In fact, there are still many historical treasures of Brunei Darussalam that need to be explored. The ongoing studies that produce Brunei's historiography should be done not only for the sake of knowledge discourse but also for the knowledge of all levels of society in this country. It also benefits the development of the country in terms of intellectual development among local researchers. In conclusion, we the authors would like to express our highest appreciation and thanks to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam for giving permission and funding this research until finally it is published in this book form. The highest appreciation and thanks too to Persatuan Sejarah Brunei (PESEBAR), or Bruneian Historical Society, for publishing this book. The same goes to Tuan Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, who was supportive in this effort, and offered his valuable inputs so that this book could be published, and so many thanks to him. In the same light, not to forget, our utmost thanks to the Universiti Brunei Darussalam library, the Department of Bruneian Historical Centre and the Department of Museums’ National Archives, who extended their assistance in obtaining reference materials for us to draft, update and complete the writing of this book. Additionally, our utmost appreciation must also be given to the Brunei Historical Centre for allowing us to reproduce articles that they had published to be included in this book. We, on behalf of the writers, pray that Allah rewards and accepts your deeds.