Mapping the Bruneian and Acehnese Reponses towards Sharia Law Formalization and its Implementation

Abstract

Brunei Darussalam and Aceh are the only two regions in Southeast Asia that applies Islamic Sharia law. Both regions have applied Islamic Sharia law for more than 10 years and yet have received many reactions from both internal and external regarding the application. This study aims to examine the formulation of sharia in Brunei and Aceh and how people of Brunei and Aceh respond to its implementation. Based on the finding Shari law in Aceh hudud tends to appear more liberal and moderate; in the sense that the ideas are not connected to a school of fiqh wile in Brunei it demonstrates a very distinct "thread" with traditional fiqh ideas, particularly the Shafi'i school. This article will also discuss groups who accept Islamic law willingly, groups who completely reject and groups who are forced to accept but still criticize.

Keywords

• Islam, sharia law, Fiqh