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Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah |
The report states that the leader’s decision is informed by the fear that the religious holiday will affect the faith of his country.
The rule also states that Muslims caught celebrating Christmas, and non-Muslims who are discovered organizing celebrations, could face the lengthy prison sentence of five years.
While non-Muslims are allowed to celebrate the holiday within their own communities, they are mandated not to disclose their plans to the nation’s Muslims – which make up 65 per cent of the nation’s population.
The nation has about 20 per cent non-Muslims, including substantial Buddhist and Christian communities.
A statement by the country’s Ministry of Religious Affairs read: ”These enforcement measures are…intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community.”
Before now, Brunei prohibits propagating religion other than Islam to a Muslim, and breaking this is a violation of the penal code of the state’s laws.
Also banned in the country is put putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs and sending Christmas greetings.
The report quoted the Imams in the Borneo Bulletin saying: ”Some may think that it is a frivolous matter and should not be brought up as an issue. But as Muslims, we must keep it [following other religions’ celebrations] away as it could affect our Islamic faith.”
Meanwhile, some Burnei residents seem to have defied the order as they have been celebrating Christmas and uploading pictures to social media as part of a #MyTreedom campaign that celebrates religious freedom.
Some are celebrating and putting up pictures on social media with there faces covered
Michael Jackson, the late pop singer, was reportedly paid more than £10 million to give a concert in Brunei in 1996 to mark the sultan’s 50th birthday.
Last year, the sultan caused controversy by introducing Sharia criminal law, which allows for punishments including stoning, whipping and amputation.
