Brunei Comparison With The Islamic Culture Of The Northwest China

My PH.D. thesis is to compare the Islamic culture of Negara Brunei Darussalam to the Islamic culture of the North-western region of China. The content of this thesis comprises of the following six topics:(1) IntroductionTo explain the purpose of this research and the methodology of research used. The purpose is two fold:to understand the extent of the influence of the Islamic culture on a global scale and to increase an understanding of the Islamic culture between Asia Pacific economic cooperation (APEC) countries. The main methods of research include field work in the two afore mentioned countries, a cross-cultural comparative study, a scholastic study of related documents and interdisciplinary studies.(2) The comparison of Islamic status within the cultural paradigms of Brunei and North Western China.While Islam plays a small role in Chinese Islamic culture, it is the mainstream religion of the Bruneian culture. The guiding principles of the Chinese populace are the laws and ideology of communism. Despite Islam being a religion of the common people of North Western China, it remains more actively studied and researched in comparison to the research on Islam in Brunei.(3) Comparisons of the ceremonies and rituals of marriage and family life.Marriages in China must be performed according to the marriage laws of the People's Republic of China. Couples strictly adhere to the law of monogamy and family planning. The Bruneians, in comparison, practice polygamy and multi-parity as taught in the Koran. In daily rituals, both countries follow the same basic observances of birth ceremonies, circumcision, marriage and burial rituals. There exists minor differences in ceremonies among China's various ethnic groups. The two countries exhibit obvious Islamic cultural influences in the area of surnames and names.(4) A Comparison look at the material aspects of culture.This section consists of three areas including attire, food and shelter. In researching attire, the Islamic dress code is strongly biased towards a dress code for the female Muslim. Women in Brunei commonly wear a headdress while those in North Western China seldom wear them. Due to climatic differences and the large number of Islamic ethnic groups (10) in China, the costumes of the Islamic people are more varied in style and color than those in tropical Brunei. With regards to food and drink, both countries observe the principles and laws of Islamic food preparation. However, in China the principles of Islamic food preparation were introduced and practiced chronologically much earlier than in Brunei. The Chinese government was instrumental in efficiently passing laws that respect and protect the Islamic food laws. In Brunei, alcohol consumption is prohibited for all residents and cigarette smoking is rarely seen. This varies considerably from the alcohol consumption and smoking practices in North Western China due to the multiple Islamic ethnic cultural groups.The bountiful agricultural produce in North Western China has brought forth the creation of jobs and a more stable economy. In consequence, myriad of food and drink exist in this region.The tea culture of the Islamic people in North Western China is more prominent in comparison to the coffee drinking culture of Islamic Bruneians.All Muslims, both in China and Brunei, are prohibited from having images of animals and carvings within the structure or design of their home. Houses in Brunei are built above water (water villages) where as in North Western China, houses are often built in caves in the sides of mountains. Both style and construction material vary significantly in the two countries. The Hui minority in China are defined by the use of unique tiles and wood carvings. The yaks (tents) of Kazak and Kyrgyz are non existent in Brunei.(5) The comparisons of Islamic festivals.Although the mosques in Brunei do not have the extensive history that those in China have, they are more resplendent in structure and more modern interiorly. The mosques in North Western China exist in a myriad of architectural styles and are closely located to one another. Unique to the Bruneian mosque is their proximity to water, including being both above or adjacent to water. The religious festivals are celebrated on the same day in both countries. In Brunei religious festivals are celebrated as national holidays with participation from all residents. In contrast, Islamic festivals in China are celebrated mainly among the Islamic community and within the vicinity of the mosques. In China, the Islamic festivals manifest a unity of culture, entertainment, costumes, food and drink. The creativity and colorfulness of the celebrations in China reflect the unity and harmony within the many various ethnic groups practicing one religion.Conclusion:This thesis illustrates the cultural differences between the Islamic community in Brunei and that of North Western China. To emphasize the scarcity of research in this area and the need for further research.