P122 Examining The Factors Influencing The Development And Practice Of Islamic Leadership Among Female Youth In Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

The transformation of Muslim societies in the contemporary era requires the development of a generation of leaders who are ethically grounded, socially responsible, and capable of responding to emerging societal and technological challenges. In Brunei Darussalam, this aspiration is reflected in Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), which emphasises the integration of Islamic values, national identity, and human development. Within this context, women’s participation in leadership is increasingly significant in developing a progressive and resilient society grounded in the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) and the aspiration of becoming a Negara Zikir. However, leadership development among female youth remains an area requiring greater attention, particularly in relation to the availability of role models, leadership opportunities, and frameworks that integrate Islamic values with contemporary leadership needs. This gap raises important questions regarding how Islamic leadership can be cultivated among female youth to prepare them as future leaders capable of contributing to human development, societal transformation, and the sustainability of the ummah.

This study utilises an exploratory qualitative case study approach to analyse the factors impacting the development and practice of Islamic leadership among female youth in Brunei Darussalam.. The study explores how religious values, educational experiences, institutional environments, sociocultural influences, and contemporary developments shape their understanding and practice of leadership. Particular attention is given to Islamic leadership principles including tawhid, amanah (trust and responsibility), 'adl (justice), shura (consultation), accountability to Allah, and ethical responsibility, and how these principles are internalised and translated into leadership practices within the Bruneian socio-religious context. The paper proposes a conceptual framework for developing leadership characteristics among female youth grounded in Islamic leadership principles and the MIB philosophy. The framework positions female youth leadership development as an important dimension of pembangunan insan (human development), emphasising the cultivation of values-based, responsible, and service-oriented future leaders. In doing so, the paper argues that strengthening Islamic leadership capacities among female youth can contribute to the broader transformation of society and the development of a resilient and sustainable ummah while preserving Islamic values and Brunei Darussalam’s national identity.