Who Is An Ulama? Mufti Explains
By Nela Awang

Brunei-Muara - The State Mufti called for more formulas and reasons that produce an ulama, in which he suggested the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, as a higher Islamic institution, should apply it in the form of a written discipline.

Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned made the proposal in his working paper, entitled 'Islamic Studies in the Higher Learning in the Era of Globalisation: Towards Producing Ulama'.

The working paper provided two detailed explanations of ulama - the meaning and the characteristics of ulama in their writings.

The word 'ulama' is derived from the plural of the Arabic word 'alim. In the Malay language, ulama is defined as 'educated people', or scholars. Ulama is also a person who has a wide knowledge and taqwa (piety) towards Allah (SWT) and obeys His orders.

The state mufti further explained that the term ulama can, only be bestowed from others, usually from students who acknowledge their know ledge, society or from educational institutions. One can be called an ulama based on their attitudes and characteristics, such as being earnest in seeking knowledge and understanding of Islam.

Although ulama is said to possess much knowledge, he also seek other opinions, especially from those who are more 'alim and experts in a particular matter. Ulama would not go near any devious matters. Other characteristics of an ulama, outlined by the state mufti, were that they lived a simple life and do not go to places that would bring about any doubts from others.

In producing ulama, one of the roles of the Islamic university, the definition of an ulama should first be explained. Only after knowing what it is and what it takes to be one, can the institution outline the formulas to use and develop in achieving this goal.

He explained that this is why higher Islamic institutions were established.

Another distinctive characteristic of ulama is through their writings, either as a thesis or dissertation, as one of the formula of becoming an ulama.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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