Brunei urged to enhance study on astronomy

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

BRUNEI, like other Islamic nations, should enhance its knowledge in ilmu falak (astronomy), said an invited speaker from Malaysia during a forum yesterday at Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (Kupu SB).

The speaker, Dr Baharuddin Zainal, a lecturer from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, on the sidelines of the forum spoke with The Brunei Times on astronomy education in the context of science-religion.

"What should be developed in Brunei should be enhancing cooperation with other Islamic countries in further developing astronomy research," said Dr Baharuddin.

He explained that the appropriate Islamic astronomy institutions from various Islamic countries should work together in conducting research on the orbit system.

"Ilmu falak (space knowledge) is what we study about space science in the Islamic point of view and there is a lot to learn from ilmu falak especially in the aspects of natural phenomenon," said Dr Baharuddin.

While explaining to the participants about astronomy, participants had a chance to see how the subject could be studied through a live show of the night sky at the university's parking lot by using a projector, and an observation mechanical device provided by the Surveying Department.

The Malaysian lecturer also pointed out that a setback for astronomy is the negative perception that astronomy is haram (unlawful).

"The first thing is to educate people on the misconceptions of astronomy as there are two factions which would be astrology and ilmu falak," said Dr Baharuddin.

He explained that astrology is what steers away from Islamic research and it is not allowed in Islam as it is haram. Knowledge of the unseen, he added, is known only by Allah (SWT) while ilmu falak would present itself in the context of Islamic science.

Also giving a talk at the forum was Hj Julaihi Hj Lamat from the Astronomy Unit who also explained the study of ilmu falak to interested astronomy enthusiasts.

Present at the forum was the Ministry of Religious Affairs Permanent Secretary Hj Abdul Aziz Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Hj Mohd Yussof and Kupu SB Assistant Ra'es Dr Hj Norarfan Hj Zainal.

Kupu SB also held a convention yesterday to be a catalyst to expand the interest of the public in joining astronomy activities such as the observation of the moon, sun, night sky, exhibitions and seminars.

Dr Baharuddin stated that the advantages of the exhibition and seminar held at the university would help participants familiarise themselves with the Hijrah calendar, astronomy, knowledge of prayer times and the direction of the qiblat.

The event is also held in collaboration with the Astronomy Unit at the Ministry of Development's Survey Department and the Brunei Astronomy Association.

credit to The Brunei Times