Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz
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Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz (1911 – 3 February 1994) was a Malaysian aristocrat and Muslim scholar who served as the first
State Mufti of Brunei The State Mufti () holds the highest authority in Brunei's religious governance. Unlike in many other countries, this position possesses the exclusive power to issue fatwas, or Islamic legal rulings, which carry enforceable authority within the n ...
from 1962 to 1965 and again from 1967 until his passing in 1994. He is renowned for his profound contributions to Islamic scholarship, his instrumental role in shaping Brunei's religious landscape as its inaugural mufti, and his insightful
fatwas A fatwa (; ; ; ) is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law (sharia) given by a qualified Islamic jurist (''faqih'') in response to a question posed by a private individual, judge or government. A jurist issuing fatwas is called a ''mufti'', ...
that not only provided clarity on religious matters but also addressed broader ethical, social, and health concerns. His leadership and work strengthened the ties between Brunei and
Johor Johor, also spelled Johore,'' is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia in the south of the Malay Peninsula. It borders with Pahang, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the north. Johor has maritime borders with Singapore ...
, solidifying his legacy as a respected figure in both regions.


Early life and education

Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz was born in 1911 in Kampong Rengit,
Batu Pahat The Batu Pahat District is a district in the state of Johor, Malaysia. It lies southeast of Muar, southwest of Kluang, northwest of Pontian, south of Segamat and Tangkak District. The capital of the district is Bandar Penggaram. Geograph ...
, Johor. He received his early education at Malay School and the Johor Government Quran School from 1919 to 1923, before continuing his studies at Al-Attas Arabic School,
Johor Bahru Johor Bahru, abbreviated as JB, is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Johor. It is the core city of Johor Bahru District, Malaysia's second-largest district by population and the second-largest district economy. Covering an area of ...
, from 1923 to 1928. Upon completing his studies at Al-Attas Arabic School, he was appointed in 1929 to teach at the same school and at Al-Attas College, Johor Bahru, where he served until 1937. In 1938, he was awarded a scholarship by the Johor government to further his studies at
Al-Azhar University The Al-Azhar University ( ; , , ) is a public university in Cairo, Egypt. Associated with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Islamic Cairo, it is Egypt's oldest degree-granting university and is known as one of the most prestigious universities for Islamic ...
and
Cairo University Cairo University () is Egypt's premier public university. Its main campus is in Giza, immediately across the Nile from Cairo. It was founded on 21 December 1908;"Brief history and development of Cairo University." Cairo University Faculty of En ...
in Egypt, where he remained until 1948 and successfully obtained no fewer than five advanced degrees from five different faculties at these universities.


Career

After returning from Egypt in 1949, Ismail was appointed as an Arabic school inspector and editor of ''Warta'', a publication under the Johor Religious Affairs Department, serving in this role until 1952. He was then promoted to the position of district kadhi in
Segamat The Segamat District () or simply Segamat is a List of districts in Malaysia, district in the Malaysian states of Malaysia, state of Johor. Segamat (town), Segamat is also the name of the district's primary town. Segamat district is one of the t ...
, Johor, from 1953 to 1954. In 1955, he was seconded to become the principal of the newly established
Kolej Islam Malaya Kolej Islam Malaya (KIM) or Muslim College Malaya was a premier, independent religious school in Malaysia. It is the first recognised Islamic education institute by the Federation of Malaya government. History The erection of a religious highe ...
, located in a
waqf A (; , plural ), also called a (, plural or ), or ''mortmain'' property, is an Alienation (property law), inalienable charitable financial endowment, endowment under Sharia, Islamic law. It typically involves donating a building, plot ...
palace of
Sultan Sultan (; ', ) is a position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be use ...
Hisamuddin Alam Shah Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah ( Jawi: ; 13 May 1898 – 1 September 1960) was Sultan of Selangor from 1938 to 1942, later from 1945, and the second Yang di-Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malay ...
in
Selangor Selangor ( ; ), also known by the Arabic language, Arabic honorific Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity", is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the e ...
. During this time, he and Haji Othman bin Haji Mohammad, who later became the director of government religious schools in Brunei, were invited to Brunei. At the request of
Sultan Sultan (; ', ) is a position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be use ...
Omar Ali Saifuddien III Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien (Jawi script, Jawi: ; 23 September 1914 – 7 September 1986) was the 28th Sultan of Brunei, reigning from 1950 until his abdication in 1967 to his oldest son, Hassanal Bolkiah. Over the course of his ...
, they assessed the possibility of establishing a government religious school system in the country. This visit led to the founding of Brunei's first structured religious school in September 1956. In 1956, Ismail returned to Johor after being appointed acting deputy mufti of Johor. He then became the district
kadhi Kadhi or karhi is a yogurt-based dish originating from Rajasthan, India. It is made by simmering yogurt with besan (gram flour) and spices until it forms a thick, tangy gravy. It is sometimes mixed with pakoras (deep-fried fritters). It is ...
of Pontian, Johor in 1957, acting chief kadhi of Johor in 1958, and was later confirmed as the chief kadhi of Johor, holding the position until 1961. On 1 April 1962, the Johor government seconded him to serve as the mufti of Brunei for three years. This appointment was made following an agreement between Sultan Omar Ali and
Sultan Sultan (; ', ) is a position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be use ...
Ismail of Johor Sultan Sir Ismail Al-Khalidi Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Al-Masyhur ( Jawi: سلطان سر إسماعيل الخالدي ابن المرحوم سلطان سر إبراهيم المشهور; October 1894 – 10 May 1981) was the 23rd Sulta ...
. The creation of the mufti role was not only in accordance with the Religious Council and Kadhi Courts Law No. 20/1955 but was also strongly endorsed by Sultan Omar Ali. In a letter to the Menteri Besar of Brunei on 24 January 1961, the sultan emphasised the importance of having a scholar who could provide fatwas and interpret religious laws for the welfare of the people, acknowledging the difficulty of addressing Islamic issues without such expertise in a country that officially upholds Islam. Ismail completed his contract with the Brunei government on 31 March 1965 and then returned to serve with the Johor government as deputy mufti until his retirement on 1 January 1967. On 8 March 1967, he resumed his service with the Brunei government as mufti. His appointment was approved by the sultan, effective from 11 March 1967, in accordance with Chapter 40(1) of the Religious Council and Kadhi Courts Law of 1955. During his final tenure as state mufti, he was included and appointed into various national and institutional councils such as the Succession Council, Brunei Islamic Religious Council, Judicial Committee, and many others up to an estimated 40. Additionally, he has represented Brunei in many international and regional seminars and congresses. Ismail gained notoriety on 3 November 1984, when he claimed that three foreign organisations with Bruneian organisation—the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and a Masonic lodge—were anti-Islamic and supporting
Zionist Zionism is an Ethnic nationalism, ethnocultural nationalist movement that emerged in History of Europe#From revolution to imperialism (1789–1914), Europe in the late 19th century that aimed to establish and maintain a national home for the ...
activities. Although the mufti's editorials in the were his personal opinions and not a ruling, a top government official stated that Muslims would still be expected to follow his counsel. Ismail had declared many
fatwas A fatwa (; ; ; ) is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law (sharia) given by a qualified Islamic jurist (''faqih'') in response to a question posed by a private individual, judge or government. A jurist issuing fatwas is called a ''mufti'', ...
during those years, one of which was the banning of selling alcoholic drinks. He was an excellent figure who has the ability and can be identified through various aspects, such as personality, trustworthy nature, extensive knowledge, steadfast and courageous attitude, and fiery spirit. His Fatwas were seen as firm, insightful, and enlightening. According to entries in the register of fatwas kept by the State Mufti's Office, up to 1,753 series of fatwas were published between 1962 and the end of his life in 1993.


Death

Ismail died on 3 February 1993, at the age of 82, in the
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS Hospital; ) stands as the country's primary healthcare institution. Located in Kampong Kiulap, the hospital offers views of both the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the Brunei River. Funded by t ...
in
Bandar Seri Begawan Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is the capital and largest city of Brunei. It is officially a Municipalities of Brunei, municipal area () with an area of and an estimated population of 100,700 as of 2007. It is part of Brunei–Muara District, the s ...
. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honoured with a royal funeral, and his remains were laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum in
Batu Satu Batu Satu, also known as Kampong Parit, is an neighbourhoods of Bandar Seri Begawan, area in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is also a designated villages of Brunei, village in Brunei-Muara District, within Mukim Kianggeh. The po ...
.


Legacy

Ismail's significant contributions to Islamic scholarship and his essential role in shaping Brunei's religious and social framework established him as a respected figure in both Brunei and Johor. Known for his steadfast dedication to Islamic principles, especially in his fatwas, he had a direct influence on key policies, including Brunei's alcohol ban. As the first mufti of Brunei, his leadership was defined by his ability to deliver clear, resolute religious rulings, earning him widespread admiration and acknowledgment. His efforts also played a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between Brunei and Johor, further solidifying his legacy as a leader who valued both faith and diplomacy. Ismail's fatwas were highly regarded for their depth and thoroughness, extending well beyond simple clarifications of what is halal or haram. His rulings were comprehensive, offering not only religious guidance but also valuable perspectives on the ethical, social, and health-related aspects of his decisions. For example, when discussing halal food, he not only addressed prohibitions but also emphasised the positive impact of lawful food on one’s character, health, and prayers. His approach, combining intellectual insight with compassionate wisdom, earned him great respect. His legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Islamic law and the spiritual welfare of his community, showing that religious observance is integral to both moral and spiritual well-being. Ismail played a key role in maintaining the nation's traditional and moderate Islamic philosophy, averting theological disputes such to those between the reformist Kaum Muda and the traditionalist Kaum Tua that are common in the Malay Muslim community. Rejecting the impact of reformist thinkers like
Rashid Rida Sayyid Muhammad Rashīd Rida Al-Hussaini (; 1865 – 22 August 1935) was an Ulama, Islamic scholar, Islah, reformer, theologian and Islamic revival, revivalist. An early Salafi movement, Salafist, Rida called for the revival of hadith studies and ...
and
Ibn Taymiyya Ibn Taymiyya (; 22 January 1263 – 26 September 1328)Ibn Taymiyya, Taqi al-Din Ahmad, The Oxford Dictionary of Islam. http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580-e-959 was a Sunni Muslim schola ...
, whom he claimed lacked validity since they lacked recognised religious mentorship, he placed a strong focus on adhering to Islamic principles as understood and performed by competent religious teachers. Ismail's adamant opposition to
Wahhabism Wahhabism is an exonym for a Salafi revivalist movement within Sunni Islam named after the 18th-century Hanbali scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. It was initially established in the central Arabian region of Najd and later spread to oth ...
and religious innovations (
bid'ah In Islam and sharia (Islamic law), ( , ) refers to innovation in religious matters. Linguistically, as an Arabic word, the term can be defined more broadly, as "innovation, novelty, heretical doctrine, heresy". It is the subject of many hadith ...
) demonstrated his dedication to upholding Brunei's long-standing religious customs and steering clear of polarising ideological tendencies.


Personal life

Ismail was married to Datin Seri Setia Hajah Kamaliah Suhaimi bte Hj Muhd Fadzlullah Suhaimi, who passed away in 2008. Together, they had a daughter, Hajah Nurol Huda, who is a lecturer at the Faculty of Syariah and Law at
Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University The Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA or Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University) is a public research university located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, established in 2007. As the country’s first Islamic university and second national ...
. His family resides in Jalan Tutong.


Titles, styles and honours


Titles and styles

On 1 February 1968, Ismail was honoured by Sultan
Hassanal Bolkiah Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah (born 15 July 1946) is the List of sultans of Brunei, Sultan of Brunei since 1967, and Prime Minister of Brunei, prime minister of Brunei since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is one ...
with the
manteri The Manteri (Minister (government), Minister or Officer) are a group of state dignitaries within the Brunei, Sultanate of Brunei whose position ranks the fourth-highest official in the country behind the List of sultans of Brunei, Sultan. There a ...
title of , bearing the
style Style, or styles may refer to: Film and television * ''Style'' (2001 film), a Hindi film starring Sharman Joshi, Riya Sen, Sahil Khan and Shilpi Mudgal * ''Style'' (2002 film), a Tamil drama film * ''Style'' (2004 film), a Burmese film * '' ...
.


Honours

Ismail has been bestowed the following honours: *
Family Order of Seri Utama The Most Esteemed Family Order of Seri Utama () is an Order (decoration), order of Brunei. It was established on 1 March 1954 by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The order carries the post-nominal letters "DK II" as well as the Malay styles and tit ...
(DK) – ''Dato Seri Utama'' *
Order of Islam Brunei The Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei (), also translated as The Most Illustrious Islamic Religious Order of the State of Brunei, is an Order (decoration), order of Brunei. It was established on 1 August 1968 by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for servi ...
First Class (PSSUB) – ''Dato Paduka Seri Setia'' *
Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa The Most Distinguished Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa (), also translated as The Most Distinguished Order of Merit of Brunei, is an order of Brunei. It was established in February 1964 by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. Current classes The th ...
Second Class (DSLJ) – ''Dato Seri Laila Jasa'' *
Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei (), also translated as The Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Brunei, is an Order (decoration), order of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam. It was established on 1 March 1954 by Sultan Omar Ali ...
Third Class (SMB) *
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal Sultan (; ', ) is a Royal and noble ranks, position with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", derived from the verbal noun ', meaning "authority" or "power". La ...
(PHBS) * Sultan Ibrahim Medal First Class (PIS) *
Universiti Brunei Darussalam The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD or University of Brunei Darussalam) is a public national university, national research university situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, was founded in 1985 and is the oldest institution i ...
Doctor in Laws (25 September 1991)


Notes


References

* * *


Further reading

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Omar Abdul Aziz, Ismail State Muftis of Brunei 1911 births Malaysian expatriates in Brunei 1994 deaths People from Johor Malaysian people of Malay descent Cairo University alumni