In Southeast Asia, facing the South China Sea, the nation of Negara Brunei Darussalam – better known as Brunei, is wedged between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. Brunei was a British protectorate for almost one hundred years until independence in 1984.
Brunei became a Muslim nation in the 15th Century after the conversion of Sultan Awang Alak Betatar (Sultan Muhammad Shah). The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei is very rich in oil and the sultan is one of the world’s richest men. The government collects no taxes, but provides health care, pensions, education, and, for those without the means, assistance in making the Hajj to Mecca.
Difficult for Christians
Islamic Shari’a law in Brunei supersedes civil law and it regulates all of life. The national constitution states, “The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion.” Life is difficult for Christians in Brunei. Some have lost their jobs without any notice. Christians seeking opportunities for higher education must leave the country to access universities. Evangelism is strictly forbidden and some local Christians have been arrested and detained for planning outreach to the population. Christian based (expatriate) schools must give instruction in Islam to all students and are not allowed to teach Christianity. Recently a foreign English teacher simply prayed for blessings on a Malay family during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations (at the end of Ramadan) was given 48 hours to leave the country.
A number of Brunei Malays have believed over the years, but the very strict, conservative Islamic environment in Brunei is hardly conducive to any Muslim-background believer being open about their commitment. Indonesian Christian broadcasting is easily heard and understood in Brunei. Christian literature for personal purposes (not resale or distribution quantities) can be carried in from neighbouring Malaysia. It is not possible to buy Bibles or Christian books in Brunei. Two recognised churches exist. Both are closely watched by police with spies in nearly every meeting.
Prayer Points (from those ministering to Brunei):
* Pray for expatriate brothers and sisters who are serving in Brunei. Their situation is very sensitive. May their lives provide an example of Christ to those within their circle of influence.
* Pray for the Church throughout Brunei, that Christians will be a light to those within their immediate community. May the congregations welcome the presence of God in their worship and prayers. May they offer encouragement to all local believers while the Lord helps them to build meaningful relationships for the sake of the Kingdom.
* Pray for a stirring in the hearts among the people. May Jesus reveal Himself through dreams and visions. May God work in ways that only he can do to draw the people to himself.
* Pray for the royal family and their influence at every level: the Sultan’s ‘second’ wife, Azrinaz Makar Hakim, from Malaysia; Crown Prince Billah and his wife, Sarah. [Acts 16:31] The parliament is beginning to meet again after being closed for 20 years.
Flag of Brunei
Map of Brunei
Background on Brunei (World Factbook)
The Sultanate of Brunei’s influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.
Economics of Brunei
Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more than 90% of exports. The government provides for all medical services and free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei’s leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion.
Statistics for Brunei
Population: 408,786 (July 2012 est.). World rank #175
Life expectancy at birth: 76.37 years. World rank #77
Ethnic Groups: Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1%
Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese
Literacy Rate: 92.7%
School life expectancy: 14 years
Brunei – Video
A Brunei photo story.
the christians really have harsh life as in really suffering here in Brunei?
“Life is difficult for Christians in Brunei. Some have lost their jobs without any notice (what???!!). Christians seeking opportunities for higher education must leave the country to access universities. Evangelism is strictly forbidden….” huh??????????
What the heck is this! is this findings really based on concrete research and evidence? if so this should be published to proof this …otherwise the claim is just fabrications just to create friction and tension amongst bruneians who has been living in peace for ages.
We muslims do not allow any unjust acts on my my non muslim brothers and sisters ..well except ofcourse anything involving your missioneries work is out of question. nobody here in Brunei is silly enough to be forced to convert. the non muslims here just need to respect Islam as the domain religion among majority of bruneian who have been practising this for hundreds of years.
FYI, yes i am a muslim. i have a very large extended familes..cousins, aunties, grannies who practise religion freely..some are buddhist, christians, anemist..even atheist and we all live in harmony with lots of respect with each other’s belief, culture and way of life. i have no problem attending a cousin’s wedding in a church or celebrate christmas and in return they turn up in our muslim’s gatherings or events..or even funerals.
may Allah bless this kingdom.
I’m a filipino I’ve been here in brunei for almost 11yrs. and a 100% catholic…..i don’t see problem regarding my religion…bruneian people… they respect my religion….your a liar!!!!!you should pray for yourself…………..god bless us all!1
@dens: God bless you!
Brunei do not oppress the christian. Brunei have been doing so well with Islam Monarch and Malay as the main guidance. Plz do not disturbe brunei peaceful and prosperous enviro. Everyone is happy in brunei. i hv seen the livelihood in other country and non can match brunei way of life. Yes we bruneians are lucky to be bless by Allah s.w.t. with oil and gas and to have a a tremendously excellent ruler. we bruneian loves to be a Mornarcy/islamic/democratic country coz its proves right now that our country system and way of living is better than any other develop country. we bruneian are very content people. plz do not disrupte our brilliant way of life. what separates us bruneians from others, is our upbringing and education that is the most important thing. Its not just the oil. During our independence its been said that – it has been the ambition of the sultan’s father to allocate one piece of land for every one family in brunei so that non in brunei is homeless. Its a general fact that many muslim country is bless by Allah s.a.w. with oil and gas its just up to us to manage it so that the wealth can be equally distributed so that everyone can get food shelter n clothing (i know this is not scientific but this is what we belive). we bruneian ar content and obedient people. we dont need western way of thinking which proves to be complicated and have many negitive impact. we Bruneian are doing just fine on our own.
:)
I am a Catholic and I am Bruneian. Surely that in itself, according to your article, would be a massive contradiction? I was born and bred in Brunei, and not once have I been forbidden to practice my faith. Sure, I’m not allowed to flaunt my religion in other people’s faces but neither has Islam been forced upon me. I’m currently studying in the UK with a scholarship from the Ministry of Education in Brunei and if Brunei was indeed discriminatory towards Christians, I wouldn’t have had a chance and yet here I am! This article is not only insulting, it also shows how little people like you actually understand about how anything works in Brunei. I believe the Bruneian government have a right to impose strict rules on how religion ought to be practiced in the country, it is after all an Islamic state but they have also allowed the construction of churches and temples for those who aren’t Muslim to practice their faith. Get your facts straight before writing ridiculous articles such as this one.
First, this article is ridiculous,particularly about the oppressed christians. Seriously? whoever wrote this must be living in a cave. What are your facts based on? I was born and bred in Brunei, I have friends of different religions, christianity included and I never heard or seen such oppression. We all live in harmony. Its as simple as that. Get your facts right first of all. live in Brunei and you’ll see it yourself.
Christianity is about as “deviant” as Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, or any of the world’s major religions. It’s comments such as yours that cause foster religious bigotry and hatred, which has been the primary source of war throughout history. Tolerance, respect for others, kindness. These are some of the values shared by EVERY religion. I would encourage you to incorporate them into your religious philosphy.
do you know the real name of the Father and of the Son?
I am Christian and I live in Brunei. I never been warned or threathen to be killed by Muslim! Believe me, I am God follower. Always in Church everyweek. Brunei are the most praceful Islam country than other!!!
i too am a christian who wishes to work in Brunei as an English teacher from India. How is it possible for me to work in our own institutional schools in Brunei..?
“Recently a foreign English teacher simply prayed for blessings on a Malay family during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations (at the end of Ramadan) was given 48 hours to leave the country.”
I don’t think that is even half true. Brunei? Seriously? You can leave your wallet lying in a shop or outside, it will still be there half an hour later. Unless you don’t need your money, you can try leaving it for a whole day. See if anyone tries to steal it or hand it to the police or whoever works in the shop to announce the ‘lost’ item. I’ve done it many times coz I’m just so careless!!! Point is, Brunei is probably the most peaceful country ever. And the above statement just sound so out of place.
Regards in regards to Christians in Brunei??? PLEASE explain …….
To Mei
Explain? what do we need to explain? people that are not muslim already say that they were never threaten or insulted and even if they do…dont blame it on the country… blame it on the people that insulted you ==” (yes im from brunei) We never insult anyone just because they have other religion or no religion..we live communicate like normal people do. (edited for brevity)