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Source : Pelita Brunei  (translation MCYS)

News : Hajah Siti Zuraihah Haji Awang Sulaiman  - Information Department

Photos : Hernie Suliana Haji Othman - Information Department

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BERAKAS, Monday, 20 October – The third session of the seminar held in conjunction with Majlis Ilmu 2025 took place in the afternoon at Dewan Musyawarah, International Convention Centre (ICC), featuring four panelists presenting papers under the theme Kelestarian dan Transformasi Sedekah.

The guest of honour for the session was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad.

The session was chaired by Assistant Professor Pengiran Dr. Norhazlin binti Pengiran Haji Muhammad from the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Awang Muhammad Yussof bin Haji Abdul Majid, Special Duties Officer Grade II at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA), presented a paper titled Impak Sedekah Terhadap Aspek Psikologi Individu dan Dimensi Sosial. He shared a conceptual framework linking almsgiving to psychological processes and its social impact.

He explained that cross-cultural research synthesis indicates a pattern of increased happiness and reduced anxiety when individuals give, suggesting a potentially universal signal in the psychology of giving.

The framework illustrates how almsgiving can enhance mental well-being by reducing stress, fostering empathy, strengthening self-worth, calming the soul, and activating the brain's reward circuits that produce a “warm glow."

Simultaneously, the practice is expected to strengthen community unity, build social capital and trust, and foster solidarity in line with the principle of maslahah. Practical implications offer guidance for practitioners and policymakers to integrate sustained almsgiving into psychological wellness strategies and social relationship strengthening, thereby supporting national-scale development of social capital and collective welfare.

Dr. Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk, Assistant Ra'es III (Student and Alumni Affairs) at Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB), emphasized the importance of cultivating generosity among youth as a foundation for noble character development. His paper was titled Memupuk Jiwa Pemurah/Memberi Dalam Kalangan Generasi Muda.

According to Dr. Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi, generosity extends beyond material giving to include time, energy, knowledge, prayers, and even a smile.

He highlighted the roles of family, schools, and society in shaping a generous spirit, especially within younger generations. Suggested steps include leading by example, normalizing charitable practices, participating in welfare programs, and exposing youth to exemplary stories of the Prophet's companions known for their generosity.

In conclusion, youth nurtured with generosity will grow into compassionate individuals capable of fostering a harmonious, loving society blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

Awang Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah, Acting Assistant Managing Director 1 and Acting Chief Operating Officer of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), presented a paper titled Inovasi Digital Dalam Menggerakkan Budaya Sedekah. He emphasized that while almsgiving remains timeless, innovation ensures its continued relevance and growth within society.

He introduced digital platforms such as BIBD NEXGEN Wallet, Online, and BizNet as seamless channels for charitable contributions, alongside QR Code-based donations (QuickPay) widely used for zakat fitrah and fundraising.

BIBD's structured digital platforms and programs promote a culture of giving that is accessible, impactful, and aligned with national aspirations. By simplifying charitable acts, BIBD supports community growth while fostering long-term resilience and compassion in Brunei Darussalam.

Dr. Hajah Ummi Fa'izah binti Haji Abdul Rahman, Assistant Professor at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), presented a paper titled Membudayakan Amalan Sedekah Dalam Kalangan Masyarakat. She shared that in Islam, almsgiving is not limited to material donations but encompasses all sincere acts of kindness for the benefit of others.

However, she noted that in today's society, the culture of almsgiving faces challenges such as individualism, materialism, and a lack of understanding of the wisdom behind the practice.

She stressed that any initiative must begin with oneself, and that the most enduring form of almsgiving is one performed sincerely for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

Dr. Hajah Ummi Fa'izah further emphasized the importance of believing that every act of giving will be rewarded by Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala with blessings in sustenance, energy, or time.

The seminar was attended by government and private sector officials, academics, researchers, educators, mosque committee members and Muslimah, youth, university students, school students, and members of the public.

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