The Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and the Future of Islamic Higher Education in Brunei Darussalam
Abstract
This article examines the Malay Islamic Monarchy, commonly known as MIB, as a foundational framework for understanding the future of Islamic higher education in Brunei Darussalam. It argues that MIB is not merely a symbolic national ideology, but a moral, cultural, epistemological, and governance framework that shapes educational policy, curriculum orientation, teacher formation, institutional identity, and graduate expectations. Using a qualitative library-based approach, the article analyzes scholarly works and policy-related studies on MIB, Islamic education, Brunei’s education system, bilingual policy, digital transformation, teacher education, and Islamic finance. The discussion shows that Islamic higher education in Brunei faces a complex task. It must preserve Islamic values, Malay cultural identity, and monarchical legitimacy while responding to globalization, English-medium academic culture, digital learning, economic diversification, and international higher education standards. The article proposes an adaptive MIB-based model of Islamic higher education built on ideological continuity, integration of naqli and aqli knowledge, reflective pedagogy, bilingual competence, ethical digital engagement, and institutional accountability. The study contributes to the discourse on Islamic higher education by showing how a national Islamic philosophy can function not only as a mechanism of identity preservation, but also as a dynamic framework for educational renewal and global relevance.
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References
Ahad, N. M. (2021). MIB Beyond The Classroom: Local Influencers and Their Impact on The Public Understanding of The State Philosophy. in International and Development Education (pp. 305–321). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_15
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Asbol, H. A. (2022). Islamic Law in Brunei Darussalam (1425–2014): A Historical Perspective and Its Relationship With The Malay Islamic Monarchy Concept. in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 155–169). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-12
Asbol, H. A., Brahim, A. H., & Abu Bakar, H. T. H. (2022). Education Policies in Brunei Darussalam (1954–2020): Developments and Their Relationship With The Concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy. in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 248–261). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-19
Basir, K. H., Haji Sismat, M. A., & Ahmad, S. S. (2024). Adapting and Implementing The New Normal: An Islamic University Perspective. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 16(5), 1405–1419. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-02-2023-0068
Besar, M. H. A. H., Aziz, J. A., & Dahlan, A. (2024). The Role of The Islamic Community and Government in The Development of Islamic Finance in Brunei Darussalam. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 100707–100721. https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00809
Gin, O. K., & King, V. T. (2022). Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431
Idris, N. R. A. B., Sirat, M., & Da Wan, C. (2019). Toward Sustainable Islamic Communities in Malaysia: The Role of Islamic-Based Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs). in Education in The Asia-Pacific Region (Vol. 49, pp. 27–40). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6532-4_3
Jabeen, R., & Ringim, K. J. (2017). Concept and Practices of Human Capital Development in Pakistan: A Conceptual Approach. International Journal of Economic Research, 14(14 Part II), 275–288. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041372032&partnerID=40&md5=3efe09989d1777928b2edf561e270fc6
Jammes, J., & Hoon, C.-Y. (2022). Religious Care and Moral Economy Amidst COVID-19: Mimetic Consumption, Divine Vaccine and Disciplinary Trust in Brunei Darussalam. Social Sciences and Missions, 35(3–4), 343–372. https://doi.org/10.1163/18748945-bja10062
Lubis, M. A. (2009). Educational Technology As A Teaching Aid on Teaching and Learning of Integrated Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam. WSEAS Transactions on Information Science and Applications, 6(8), 1370–1379. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349612490&partnerID=40&md5=81edab01b6e623c8b57dbb2e695dc1cf
Ma’mun, N., Hartono, R., Mujiyanto, J., & Pratama, H. (2025). Teacher Identity and Agency Development of An Indonesian Islamic Junior High School: Bourdieu’s Lens. Munaddhomah, 6(3), 541–554. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i3.1851
Madin, A. B., Makmun, R., Tarasat, S., Jaidi, N., Rahman, S. K. A., & Noorashid, N. (2021a). Internalisation Strategies of The Malay Islamic Monarchy Philosophy in Year 7 Curriculum in Brunei Darussalam. in International and Development Education (pp. 235–260). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_12
Madin, A. B., Makmun, R., Tarasat, S., Jaidi, N., Rahman, S. K. A., & Noorashid, N. (2021b). Malay Language and MIB Teacher Educators’ Perceptions of The Year 7 MIB Curriculum. in International and Development Education (pp. 261–283). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_13
Marsidi, M. (2021). Melayu Islam Beraja in The Titahs of His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei (2011–2020): The Leader’s Transformative Vision and Aspirations. in International and Development Education (pp. 67–83). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_4
Mazlan, M., Wakil, N. A. A., Noh, M. A. C., & Riyaldi, M. H. (2025). Integrated Education Approach in Islamic Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities. Global Journal Al-Thaqafah, 115–128. https://doi.org/10.7187/GJATSI102025-8
Muhammad, N., & Baihaqy, M. H. (2021). MIB and Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam: An Overview. in International and Development Education (pp. 85–103). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_5
Muhammad, N., & Petra, M. I. (2021). History and Development of The Brunei Education System. in International and Development Education (pp. 21–44). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_2
Müller, D. M. (2018). Hybrid Pathways To Orthodoxy in Brunei Darussalam: Bureaucratised Exorcism, Scientisation and The Mainstreaming of Deviant-Declared Practices. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 37(1), 141–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/186810341803700106
Mumin, M. A. (2023). The Application of Code-Switching, Code-Mixing, and The Need For Bilingual Pedagogy in Brunei Religious (Ugama) Schools: A Qualitative Study Involving Generation X and Millennial Teachers. World Journal of English Language, 13(8), 523–531. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v13n8p523
Ni’mah, Z., & Rahmawati, H. (2023). Educational Technology in Islamic Education: A Systematic Literature Review. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1145/3637907.3637967
Noor Azam, H.-O., & McLellan, J. (2022). Language, Society and Change: Shifting Identities? in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 233–247). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-18
Noorashid, N., & Alkaff, S. N. H. (2026). Clash of Cultures Or Compatible Reality? Attitudes Towards English For Islamic Education Among Religious Trainee Teachers in Brunei. Journal of Language, Identity and Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2026.2625273
Noorashid, N., & Jamil, H. (2024). An Exploratory Investigation on Foreign Language Anxiety Among English For Islamic Education Learners in Brunei Darussalam. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 21(2), 211–234. https://doi.org/10.56040/nnhj2123
Phan, L. H., Kumpoh, A., Wood, K., Jawawi, R., & Said, H. (2021). Contextualising Globalisation, Education and Reform in Brunei Darussalam. in International and Development Education (pp. 1–18). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_1
Puspitasari, I. N. N., Zuhri, H. H., Yani, A., Jasmine, A. N., & Kurniasari, A. (2025). Cultural Barriers and Challenges of Ma’had Aly: The Path Towards A Competitive Islamic Higher Education Institution. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(2), 464–479. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i2.216
Shahrill, M., Ali, A. O., Abdullah, N. A., & Ebil, S. (2024). An Explorative Overview of Basic Education in Brunei Darussalam. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3052(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0201220
Sharbawi, S. (2023). Investigating Language and Religiosity in Brunei. Contemporary Islam, 17(1), 157–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-023-00519-8
Sharbawi, S., & Jaidin, J. H. (2026). Parental Perspectives on The Role of Bahasa Melayu in Brunei’s Bilingual Education Policy: A National Survey on Language Ideologies, Preferences and Management. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 29(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2025.2586214
Sharbawi, S., & Mabud, S. A. (2021). Malay, Muslim and Monarchy: An Introduction To Brunei Darussalam and Its National Identity. in International and Development Education (pp. 45–66). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_3
Susilawati, S., Supriyatno, T., Yasin, A. F., Chakim, A., Hani’ah, Z., Putri, C. A., & Sabri, A. (2025). Educational Technology-Based Strategies For The Internationalization of Islamic Higher Education in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(2), 414–431. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i2.63
Wood, K., Abdul Latif, S. N., & Said, H. (2022). Preparing Teachers For A Changing World: Developments and Challenges in Brunei Darussalam. in Handbook of Research on Teacher Education: Innovations and Practices in Asia (pp. 771–785). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9785-2_39
Yusuf, J. B., Shah, H. S., Ayaz, M., & Buaben, J. M. (2018). Interest-Free Banking and Finance in Brunei Darussalam: Present Realities and Future Prospects. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 8(2), 34–62. https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.82.03
Ahad, N. M., & Baihaqy, M. H. (2021). Training MIB Among Teachers in Brunei’s Religious Teachers University College. in International and Development Education (pp. 219–233). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_11
Asbol, H. A. (2022). Islamic Law in Brunei Darussalam (1425–2014): A Historical Perspective and Its Relationship With The Malay Islamic Monarchy Concept. in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 155–169). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-12
Asbol, H. A., Brahim, A. H., & Abu Bakar, H. T. H. (2022). Education Policies in Brunei Darussalam (1954–2020): Developments and Their Relationship With The Concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy. in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 248–261). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-19
Basir, K. H., Haji Sismat, M. A., & Ahmad, S. S. (2024). Adapting and Implementing The New Normal: An Islamic University Perspective. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 16(5), 1405–1419. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-02-2023-0068
Besar, M. H. A. H., Aziz, J. A., & Dahlan, A. (2024). The Role of The Islamic Community and Government in The Development of Islamic Finance in Brunei Darussalam. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 100707–100721. https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00809
Gin, O. K., & King, V. T. (2022). Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431
Idris, N. R. A. B., Sirat, M., & Da Wan, C. (2019). Toward Sustainable Islamic Communities in Malaysia: The Role of Islamic-Based Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs). in Education in The Asia-Pacific Region (Vol. 49, pp. 27–40). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6532-4_3
Jabeen, R., & Ringim, K. J. (2017). Concept and Practices of Human Capital Development in Pakistan: A Conceptual Approach. International Journal of Economic Research, 14(14 Part II), 275–288. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85041372032&partnerID=40&md5=3efe09989d1777928b2edf561e270fc6
Jammes, J., & Hoon, C.-Y. (2022). Religious Care and Moral Economy Amidst COVID-19: Mimetic Consumption, Divine Vaccine and Disciplinary Trust in Brunei Darussalam. Social Sciences and Missions, 35(3–4), 343–372. https://doi.org/10.1163/18748945-bja10062
Lubis, M. A. (2009). Educational Technology As A Teaching Aid on Teaching and Learning of Integrated Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam. WSEAS Transactions on Information Science and Applications, 6(8), 1370–1379. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349612490&partnerID=40&md5=81edab01b6e623c8b57dbb2e695dc1cf
Ma’mun, N., Hartono, R., Mujiyanto, J., & Pratama, H. (2025). Teacher Identity and Agency Development of An Indonesian Islamic Junior High School: Bourdieu’s Lens. Munaddhomah, 6(3), 541–554. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i3.1851
Madin, A. B., Makmun, R., Tarasat, S., Jaidi, N., Rahman, S. K. A., & Noorashid, N. (2021a). Internalisation Strategies of The Malay Islamic Monarchy Philosophy in Year 7 Curriculum in Brunei Darussalam. in International and Development Education (pp. 235–260). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_12
Madin, A. B., Makmun, R., Tarasat, S., Jaidi, N., Rahman, S. K. A., & Noorashid, N. (2021b). Malay Language and MIB Teacher Educators’ Perceptions of The Year 7 MIB Curriculum. in International and Development Education (pp. 261–283). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_13
Marsidi, M. (2021). Melayu Islam Beraja in The Titahs of His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei (2011–2020): The Leader’s Transformative Vision and Aspirations. in International and Development Education (pp. 67–83). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_4
Mazlan, M., Wakil, N. A. A., Noh, M. A. C., & Riyaldi, M. H. (2025). Integrated Education Approach in Islamic Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities. Global Journal Al-Thaqafah, 115–128. https://doi.org/10.7187/GJATSI102025-8
Muhammad, N., & Baihaqy, M. H. (2021). MIB and Islamic Education in Brunei Darussalam: An Overview. in International and Development Education (pp. 85–103). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_5
Muhammad, N., & Petra, M. I. (2021). History and Development of The Brunei Education System. in International and Development Education (pp. 21–44). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_2
Müller, D. M. (2018). Hybrid Pathways To Orthodoxy in Brunei Darussalam: Bureaucratised Exorcism, Scientisation and The Mainstreaming of Deviant-Declared Practices. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 37(1), 141–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/186810341803700106
Mumin, M. A. (2023). The Application of Code-Switching, Code-Mixing, and The Need For Bilingual Pedagogy in Brunei Religious (Ugama) Schools: A Qualitative Study Involving Generation X and Millennial Teachers. World Journal of English Language, 13(8), 523–531. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v13n8p523
Ni’mah, Z., & Rahmawati, H. (2023). Educational Technology in Islamic Education: A Systematic Literature Review. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1145/3637907.3637967
Noor Azam, H.-O., & McLellan, J. (2022). Language, Society and Change: Shifting Identities? in Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Brunei (pp. 233–247). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003020431-18
Noorashid, N., & Alkaff, S. N. H. (2026). Clash of Cultures Or Compatible Reality? Attitudes Towards English For Islamic Education Among Religious Trainee Teachers in Brunei. Journal of Language, Identity and Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2026.2625273
Noorashid, N., & Jamil, H. (2024). An Exploratory Investigation on Foreign Language Anxiety Among English For Islamic Education Learners in Brunei Darussalam. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 21(2), 211–234. https://doi.org/10.56040/nnhj2123
Phan, L. H., Kumpoh, A., Wood, K., Jawawi, R., & Said, H. (2021). Contextualising Globalisation, Education and Reform in Brunei Darussalam. in International and Development Education (pp. 1–18). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_1
Puspitasari, I. N. N., Zuhri, H. H., Yani, A., Jasmine, A. N., & Kurniasari, A. (2025). Cultural Barriers and Challenges of Ma’had Aly: The Path Towards A Competitive Islamic Higher Education Institution. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(2), 464–479. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i2.216
Shahrill, M., Ali, A. O., Abdullah, N. A., & Ebil, S. (2024). An Explorative Overview of Basic Education in Brunei Darussalam. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3052(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0201220
Sharbawi, S. (2023). Investigating Language and Religiosity in Brunei. Contemporary Islam, 17(1), 157–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-023-00519-8
Sharbawi, S., & Jaidin, J. H. (2026). Parental Perspectives on The Role of Bahasa Melayu in Brunei’s Bilingual Education Policy: A National Survey on Language Ideologies, Preferences and Management. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 29(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2025.2586214
Sharbawi, S., & Mabud, S. A. (2021). Malay, Muslim and Monarchy: An Introduction To Brunei Darussalam and Its National Identity. in International and Development Education (pp. 45–66). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77119-5_3
Susilawati, S., Supriyatno, T., Yasin, A. F., Chakim, A., Hani’ah, Z., Putri, C. A., & Sabri, A. (2025). Educational Technology-Based Strategies For The Internationalization of Islamic Higher Education in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(2), 414–431. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i2.63
Wood, K., Abdul Latif, S. N., & Said, H. (2022). Preparing Teachers For A Changing World: Developments and Challenges in Brunei Darussalam. in Handbook of Research on Teacher Education: Innovations and Practices in Asia (pp. 771–785). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9785-2_39
Yusuf, J. B., Shah, H. S., Ayaz, M., & Buaben, J. M. (2018). Interest-Free Banking and Finance in Brunei Darussalam: Present Realities and Future Prospects. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 8(2), 34–62. https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.82.03
Published
2026-06-01
How to Cite
RAHMAN, Muhammad Amsyar; JUMAT, Irfan Hakim; SULAIMAN, Amira Sofea.
The Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and the Future of Islamic Higher Education in Brunei Darussalam.
Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Islam, [S.l.], v. 14, n. 1, p. 88-108, june 2026.
ISSN 2621-8275.
Available at: <http://riset-iaid.net/index.php/jppi/article/view/2351>. Date accessed: 01 june 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.36667/jppi.v14i1.2351.
Section
Articles
