ELEMENT OF THE NEGARA ZIKIR (NATION DEVOTED TO GOD) AMONG STAFF OF THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS IN UGAMA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

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1 International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 9, Issue 7, July 2018, pp , Article ID: IJCIET_09_07_211 Available online at ISSN Print: and ISSN Online: IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed ELEMENT OF THE NEGARA ZIKIR (NATION DEVOTED TO GOD) AMONG STAFF OF THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS IN UGAMA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Norashibah Hj Besar, Ahmad Sunawari Long, Faudzinaim Badaruddin, Zaizul Ab Rahman* and Mohd Haidhar Kamarzaman *Corresponding Author Centre of Aqidah and Global Peace, Faculty of Islamic Studies Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi, Selangor ABSTRACT Negara Zikir is a conceptual thought that aims to make Brunei Darussalam a developed nation oriented towards building memorable relations and human compliance with the blessings of the Creator based on Islamic governance, economics, and other aspects. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of understanding by the staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (KHEU) regarding the implementation of the Negara Zikir concept. This was a descriptive study that used questionnaires, which were distributed to 390 respondents who selected through the random sampling method. The descriptively analysis applied statistical methods that involved mean and standard deviation values. Overall, this study found that the respondents level of understanding was high. It is hoped that this study would be a reference for civil servants in Brunei in line with the wishes of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam who urged civil servants to become as the prime movers of Negara Zikir Keywords: Nation Devoted to God, Negara Zikir, Religious Understanding, Thoughts of Thought Cite this Article: Norashibah Hj Besar, Ahmad Sunawari Long, Faudzinaim Badaruddin, Zaizul Ab Rahman and Mohd Haidhar Kamarzaman, Element of the Negara Zikir (Nation Devoted To God) Among Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Ugama Brunei Darussalam, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 9(7), 2018, pp INTRODUCTION Negara Zikir (Nation Devoted to God) is a concept aimed at making Brunei Darussalam a developed nation oriented by building a relationship based on humankind s remembrance and compliance with the blessings of the Creator according to the aspects of Islamic governance (siasah), economy, social, defence etc. In other words, Negara Zikir is a social development editor@iaeme.com

2 Element of the Negara Zikir (Nation Devoted To God) Among Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Ugama Brunei Darussalam approach based on the Islamic country concept envisioned by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Hasanah Bolkiah. Among the several papers that were discussed in the Council of Knowledge 2008, some had touched on the definition of Negara Zikir, which are as follows: Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz Bin Juned, Government Mufti of Negara Brunei Darussalam, defined Negara Zikir as, a nation where many people carry out devotional acts (berzikir); a nation that is always lively and rich with devotional acts (zikir); a nation that is developed and governed by devotional acts (zikir); a nation that is defended and nurtured by devotional acts (zikir). Negara Zikir is a nation that is oriented and centred on devotional acts (zikir): its governance is according to devotional acts (zikir), its economy is based on devotional acts (zikir), its social elements are based on devotional acts (zikir), and its defence is based on devotional acts (zikir). Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abd. Rahman, Deputy Education Minister, Brunei Darussalam, argued that,. negara zikir is a nation with a God, a nation whose people and citizens always remember God. That God is Allah subhanahu wataala, not God according to the understanding of other religions. Having said that, negara zikir refers to an Islamic nation that holds steadfast to the teachings of Islam, practices and appreciates it from the aspect of faith (akidah), Syariah and morality. An exemplary Islamic nation should be supported by individuals and society who are absolutely sincere in appreciating Islam. Islam should be realised as a way of life by jointly exalting the greatness (syiar) of Islam through the scholarship of fardu Ain and fardu kifayah (Nasir Omar et al 2018; Fauziah et al 2017 and Zidni Nuran et al 2017). The Negara Zikir concept does not mean the formation of a society that solely seeks ukhrawi but rather one that substantiates and alleviates the capability of the Islamic society in Brunei to manage affairs related life in this world or the afterlife. Hence, this study would narrow the gap found in previous studies, such as the lack of empirical studies related to this concept at the grassroots level. The findings of this study would help staff from the Brunei Religious Affairs Council (KHEU) and policy makers for initiating further improvements in the future. This study aimed to examine the understanding of staff in Departments (KHEU) pertaining to the implementation of the Negara Zikir concept. Several previous studies had examined the conceptual approach of developing an Islamic country based on the al-quran and al-sunnah, especially in the Malay Archipelago cluster, as a model of life (Jaffary Awang 2009; Masuriyati Yahya & Che Zarina Sa'ari 2016; Mutsalim Khareng 2016; Rafiza et al 2018 and Zaizul Ab Rahman et al 2018). It could be concluded that as the authority responsible for laing the foundation and formulation of religious policies in Brunei Darussalam, surely the KHEU should be progressive in implementing the wishes of the nation as lauded by the leaders and the beloved King, His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mucizzaddin Waddaulah Sultan Yang, The Sovereign King of Brunei Darussalam, which is a Negara Zikir. Hopefully Brunei Darussalam achieves the status of a nation known as Baldatun Taiebatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur. 2. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY This study had adopted the descriptive survey method that used questionnaires. Data were obtained via a questionnaire that was completed by 390 respondents selected by using the random sampling method. The respondents were from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (KHEU) in Brunei Darussalam. All the questionnaires from the 390 respondents were analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version+ 22 software. The editor@iaeme.com

3 Norashibah Hj Besar, Ahmad Sunawari Long, Faudzinaim Badaruddin, Zaizul Ab Rahman and Mohd Haidhar Kamarzaman analysis was descriptive in nature and the statistics involved were the Mean scores and Standard Deviation. In order to determine the level of understanding and appreciation of the Negara Zikir concept, the interpretation was based on interval calculation procedures by Bahaman dan Turiman (1999) and the summary suggested by Nunally (1978), as shown in Table 1 below. Range of the Mean Score Table 1 Interpretation of the Min Scale Interpretation of Understanding and Appreciation of the Negara Zikir Concept High Moderately High Moderately Low Low Table 2 depicts data pertaining to gender, level of basic religious education, level of highest academic education, employment according to section and tasks according to the Department in this study. Table 2 Profile of the Study Samples Respondent s Profile Num. Percentage Gender Male Female Basic Religious Education No formal schooling 4 1 Stopped schooling around pre-standard Stopped schooling at Standard Continued Studies to Arabic school Highest level of Education Lower Secondary School-SRPB/ BJCE/PMB Upper Secondary School-O level/ SPU A-Level High School/ STPUB Teacher s College/ Diploma Bachelor s Degree Master s Degree/ Doctor of Philosophy Emolument Scale Section I 4 1 Section II Section III Section IV Section V Department Administrative Department Islamic Religious Affairs Department Syariah Affairs Department Mosque Affairs Department Islamic Studies Department Islamic Law Unit Dakwah Islamiah Centre Hajj Management Department editor@iaeme.com

4 Element of the Negara Zikir (Nation Devoted To God) Among Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Ugama Brunei Darussalam The questionnaire instrument contained 25 items for the 5 dimensions of understanding. A pilot study was initiated and the content of the instrument was certified by three experts; whereas 20 respondents determined the reliability of the instrument. 3. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS Table 3 shows that the overall mean score for the respondent s understanding of the knowledge concept dimension was high with a mean score of 4.82 and a Standard Deviation of.448 (on Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that from the five items for the knowledge concept dimension, the item al-quran is the main source of knowledge indicated the highest understanding (M=4.92, SD=.342); while, the statement with the lowest score was knowledge influences faith and worship' (M=4.70, SD=.570) Table 3 Level of Understanding Knowledge Statement Mean SP Interpretation Overall High Islam demands that Muslims command knowledge High Knowledge influences faith and worship High Knowledge should contribute to society and country High Muslims are obligated to seek knowledge regardless of age High Al-Quran is the main source of knowledge High Meanwhile, Table 4 shows that the overall mean score for respondents understanding of noble moral values concept dimension was high with a mean score of 4.66 and a Standard Deviation of.552 (on Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that from the five items for the noble moral values concept dimension, the item morality influences the behaviour of a person indicated the highest understanding (M=4.72, SD=.528); while, the statement with the lowest score was morality is the spirit or soul that infiltrates the whole Islamic way of life' (M=4.61, SD=.597). Table 4 Level of Understanding Noble Moral Values Statement Mean SD Interpretation Overall High Morality is one of the aims of Islam High Morality influences the behaviour of a person High Morality is the cure for social ills High Morality is the spirit or soul that infiltrates the whole Islamic way of life High Morality is able to enliven a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere High Meanwhile, Table 5 shows that the overall mean score for the respondents understanding of the Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar concept dimension was high with a mean score of 4.68 and a Standard Deviation of.544 (on Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that from the five items for the Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar concept dimension, the item Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar is an obligation on each Muslim indicated the highest understanding (M=4.78, SD=.469); while, the statement with the lowest score was neglecting Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar invites destruction to the society and the nation' (M=4.61, SD=.663) editor@iaeme.com

5 Norashibah Hj Besar, Ahmad Sunawari Long, Faudzinaim Badaruddin, Zaizul Ab Rahman and Mohd Haidhar Kamarzaman Table 5 Level of Understanding - Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar Statement Mean SD Interpretation Overall High Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar is an obligation on each Muslim High Amar Maaruf Nahi Mungkar is comprehensive and includes faith towards syariat and morality High Neglecting Amar Ma'aruf Nahi Mungkar invites the destruction of society and the nation High Basically, the family institution plays an important role in implementing duties of Amar Maaruf Nahi Mungkar High The strength of the belief and appreciation of religion will succeed the implementation of Amar Maaruf Nahi Mungkar High Meanwhile, Table 6 shows that the overall mean score for the respondents understanding of developing a nation concept dimension were high with a mean score of 4.64 and a Standard Deviation of.542 (on Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that from the five items for developing a nation concept dimension, the item nurturing the tenets of morality and work ethics is very important for enhancing the quality of work indicated the highest understanding (M=4.73, SD=.493); while, the statement with the lowest score was 'building a developed nation is part of the call of Islam' (M=4.45, SP=.610). Table 6 Level of Understanding Developing a Nation Concept Statement Mean SD Interpretation Overall High Developing a country is part of the call of Islam High Building a developed nation is part of the call of Islam High Management and administration of economic activities, such as production of goods, should focus on halal and haram issues High Nurturing the tenets of morality and work ethics is very important for enhancing the quality of work High Spiritual strength and religious enthusiasm could develop a race as well as a country High Meanwhile, Table 7 shows that the overall mean score for the respondents understanding of the defending the nation concept was high with a mean score of 4.69 and a Standard Deviation of.511 (on Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that from the five items for defending the nation concept dimension, the item based on the Syariah Islam the nation would always be protected and blessed by Allah s.w.t indicated the highest understanding (M=4.88, SD=.391); while, the statement with the lowest score was 'Islam emphasises the importance of protecting the security and dignity of religion, race and country (M=4.55, SP=.566). Table 7 Level of Understanding - Defending the Nation Concept Statement Mean SD Interpretation Overall Tinggi Protecting the country is one of the branches of jihad Tinggi Protecting the country is the individual s responsibility based on various aspects of life Tinggi Islam emphasises the importance of protecting the security and dignity of religion, race and country Tinggi Protecting a country not only focuses on one s strength but also physical and spiritual strength Tinggi Based on Syariah Islam, the nation will always be protected and blessed by Allah s.w.t Tinggi Meanwhile, Table 8 shows the overall mean score for the respondents understanding of the Negara Zikir concept was high with a mean of 4.70 and a Standard Deviation of.519 (on editor@iaeme.com

6 Element of the Negara Zikir (Nation Devoted To God) Among Staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Ugama Brunei Darussalam Likert Scale of 1 to 5). The next finding showed that among the five dimensions of understanding, the knowledge dimension indicated the highest score for understanding (M=4.82, SD=.448), while the dimension with the lowest score was the nation development dimension (M=4.64, SD=.542). Table 8 Level of Understanding - Negara Zikir Concept Item Mean SD Interpretation Overall High Knowledge High Noble Moral Values High Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Mungkar High Nation Development High Defending the Nation High In general, this finding shows that respondents had a high level of understanding because all the respondents had a good educational background. 4. CONCLUSION A more in-depth method of study, such as the direct observation method, could provide more specific information, especially related to the use and experience of respondents regarding the implementation of Negara Zikir as well as the problems associated with its implementation in a particular context, for example among public sector staff in other departments, for example, the Education Department, Economy Department etc. Appreciating the philosophy of MIB would help realise the formation of Negara Zikir and its society that always remembers and glorifies Allah s.w.t in every situation and make Brunei Darussalam an Islamic nation with its citizens becoming Baldatun Tayyibatu wa Rabbun Ghafur ; a prosperous nation that has received the forgiveness of Allah s.w.t. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This study received the support and funding from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through the research code UKM Premier Challenge Grants DCP /4. Appreciation is also conveyed to the Centre of Aqidah and Global Peace, Faculty of Islamic Studies, UKM, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economy and Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, UKM as well as all those who have made this research a success. REFERENCES [1] Al- Quran [2] Ahmad Sunawari Long, Zaizul Ab Rahman, Ahadmed Sarjoon Razick & Kamarudin Salleh (2017). Muslim Socio-culture and Majority-Minority Relations in recent Sri Lanka. Journal of Politics and Law; Vol. 10, No. 2; 2017 pages [3] Ahmad Sunawari Long, Zaizul Ab Rahman Rafiza Mohamed, Nor Faridah Mat Nong & Jaffary Awang (2017). Alternatif Menangani Individu Gelandangan Dan Berisiko Bersumberkan Al-Quran Dan Hadis. Prosiding Seminar Jejak Warisan Islam, volume 1, Pages [4] Ahmad Sunawari Long, Zaizul Ab Rahman, Rafiza Mohamed & Jaffary Awang (2017). Konsep Kebajikan Sosial Dalam Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan Dan Kaitannya Dengan Gelandangan Kuala Lumpur. Proceedings Of The International Conference On Islam, Development & Social Harmony In Southeast Asia, Volume 1, Issue 1, editor@iaeme.com

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