Use Of UnIslamic Symbols By Youth Cause For Concern
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - The use of some unIslamic symbols by youth in Brunei in the form of tattoos and in books is a cause for concern, said an official from the Syariah Affairs Department at a one-day seminar on Understanding Islam at the Islamic Dakwah Centre, yesterday.

There has been an average of three cases per year over the last couple of years where people have deviated against religious teachings and most of them have denounced their faith without any regrets, a situation found also among the youth in Brunei.

Dyg Hjh Norsinah binti Hj Hussin said this while presenting one of the papers during the seminar, which drew a crowd of more than 200 students. The head of the Aqidah Control Section, Syariah Affairs Department, spoke on Aqidah Deviance among Youths: Brunei Experience.

She said that among the reasons for the deviancy are stress among peers, gullibility or copying the trends of celebrities through television, fights or conflicts among peers and not knowing what is being committed or said.

She also pointed some of the factors that contribute to aqidah deviance. Some Muslims that pray and fast are also involved in activities against the teachings of Islam, like gambling, drinking alcohol and others.

In this modern world many have forgotten their responsibilities in obeying the teachings of Islam, there are also some adults who are ignorant on religious matters and have never attempted to widen their religious knowledge, do not want to attend religious functions instead prefer to go to events such as balls or concerts. This shows the practise of Muslims towards the principles of life is on the wane she said.

Another factor is disobeying or breaking religious rules and boundaries. Neglecting prayers and other rituals intentionally, following one's desire, copying the lifestyle of the Western culture without realising that it has destroyed the values of the Islamic life, she said.

"Thus it is not a surprise to see men wearing earrings or other accessories while women in the name of fashion expose themselves, cohabitate and show other negative traits."

She urged Muslims to take steps to avoid aqidah deviance and enhance the understanding and appreciation of Islam especially on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah aqidah that is the backbone of the teachings in this country and practise and obey the teachings of Islam. She-also said that prayers are a wall against all vices. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with