Ulul-albab must utilise natural resources in astronomy to develop concepts and applications that guide humans to know their Creator, facilitate worship and elevate human dignity, said former Professor at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia Dr Baharrudin bin Zainal.

He said this delivering a keynote address ‘Ilmu Falak Sebagai Mekanisme Sains, Sosial dan Agama’, during the ‘Seminar on Ilmu Falak and Astronomy’ on Tuesday.

The seminar brought together leading experts from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia in astronomy, celestial studies and prayer time determination.

The event also served as a vibrant platform for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge, share discoveries, and inspire intellectual growth.

The event also saw expert-led presentations highlighting the significance of astronomy and celestial science, while addressing contemporary challenge where nine papers were presented throughout the seminar including ‘Evolusi Perkembangan Ilmu Falak dan Astronomi di Negara Brunei Darussalam’, presented by Acting Senior Surveyor at Survey Department Haji Khairul Abidin bin Haji Sulaiman, outlining the nation’s advancements in Falak through modern technology.

The other presentations included ‘Menyingkap Langit Dari Balai Cerap Persendirian: Pengalaman Cerapan Unik Dengan Perkakasan Astronomi Standard’, presented by Astronomy Consultant in Malaysia Shahrin bin Ahmad, who shared unique private observatory experiences that demonstrate how citizen science contributes to global research; as well as ‘Astronomi Islam di Indonesia: Tradisi dan Inovasi’, by Islamic Astronomy Professor at University Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta Professor Dr Susiknan Azhari, showcasing the transformative journey of Islamic astronomy in Indonesia.

The participants also saw presentations on ‘Kalendar: Kaitannya dengan Astronomi’ by former survey officer at the Brunei Survey Department Haji Julaihi bin Haji Lamat, who explored the historical link between astronomy and calendar systems; and ‘Ilmu Falak Dalam Skop Besar Astronomi’ by former professor at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia Dr Baharrudin bin Zainal, who traced the evolution of astronomy from its Greek origins to modern astrophysics.

In addition, ‘Ilmu Falak Sebagai Instrumen Da’wah: Penyediaan Taqwim Hijri dan Pemeliharaan Maqasid Syariah’, presented by Assistant Religious Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Syahirul Syafiq bin Rashid, emphasised Falak as a tool of dakwah and preservation of Maqasid Syariah. Meanwhile ‘Kalendar Hijriyyah Islam Mandiri Berbasis Kriteria 29: Tinjauan Sejarah dan Astronomis’, presented by astronomer at Imahnoong Observatory, Indonesia Hendro Setiyanto, advocated for an independent Hijri calendar rooted in astronomical precision.

‘Nilai-nilai di Malam Hari’, presented by Level III Imam at Belait District Muhammad Zulhilmi bin Mohd Jefri, reflected on the spiritual values of the night, while ‘Pengalaman Pencerapan Hilal Di Negara Brunei Darussalam’, presented by Syariah Lower Court Judge Haji Sahrin bin Haji Kadih, shared his judicial role in Hilal observation, underscoring Brunei’s commitment to regional astronomical standards.

Deputy Minister of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, the guest of honour, launched the event. – James Kon

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin